Palestine Action

[Last updated 25/09/25]

People in Britain can protest peacefully and have the freedom to gather with others to voice their views, provided that they do so within the law. Supporting Palestine and supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation are not the same thing, and some of those holding placards in support of Palestine Action may not know the extent of its activities.
 
I believe it is right that anyone who wishes to demonstrate about the humanitarian situation in Gaza has the freedom to gather and share their views. However, earlier this year, clear advice and intelligence was given to the then Home Secretary, stating that Palestine Action satisfied the relevant tests in the Terrorism Act 2000 and should be proscribed.
 
This is due to the fact that it conducted an escalating campaign involving intimidation and sustained criminal damage, including to Britain’s national security infrastructure. Some attacks involved the use of weapons, resulting in alleged violence and serious injuries to individuals. In addition, Palestine Action’s members have been charged with violent disorder, grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, criminal damage and aggravated burglary—charges that include, in the assessment of the independent Crown Prosecution Service, a terrorism connection.
 
The Government has concluded that these are not the actions of a legitimate protest group, and it would be irresponsible to ignore expert security assessments, advice and recommendations.
 
The important issue of Palestinian rights should not be co-opted by one organisation that has shown that it is willing to use violence in pursuit of its cause. We all want the suffering in Gaza to end and the remaining hostages to be returned, and we all want to see peace. Strong views are held about the situation in Gaza, but supporting or being a member of a proscribed terrorist organisation is a criminal offence and is not acceptable, regardless of the wider context.