UK to ban Palestine Action under terror laws amid RAF vandalism
What Happened
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced her intention to ban the direct-action group Palestine Action under anti‑terrorism laws, placing it alongside organisations like Hamas and ISIS, after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton and vandalised two military aircraft with red paint. The group has previously targeted defence factories, including Thales in Glasgow and Elbit facilities in Bristol. Clashes erupted in Trafalgar Square during protests against the decision, with police enforcing an exclusion zone around Parliament and arresting demonstrators supporting the group. Criticism has been raised by civil liberties advocates, including Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, who warn that the move could suppress legitimate protest and set a dangerous precedent.
What Next
The proscription order will be presented to Parliament next week and is expected to pass easily, given Labour’s majority. Once approved, membership or support for Palestine Action could lead to up to 14 years in prison, and police will actively dismantle its operations. The decision has reignited debate over balancing state security and civil liberties, especially for pro‑Palestinian activism. Meanwhile, continuing demonstrations across London suggest the government’s move may fuel further protest and legal challenge over free speech rights.