The plan hit the press on Friday, with reports suggesting that the Home Secretary is planning to proscribe the non-violent protest group, Palestine Action, effectively branding it as a terrorist organisation.
According to Sky News, Yvette Cooper is preparing a written ministerial statement which would make becoming a member of the group illegal.
The statement is expected on Monday and will then need to be enacted through new legislation.
It comes after pro-Palestinian activists targeted RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military aircraft.
Their statement following the targeting of the RAF base was released on X: “Flights depart daily from the base to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. From Cyprus, British planes collect intelligence, refuel fighter jets and transport weapons to commit genocide in Gaza.”
Statements of solidarity
One of the highest profile condemnations came from human rights organisation Amnesty International who expressed “deep concern” at the way the UK was wielding its counter terror powers.
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“We’re deeply concerned at the use of counter terrorism powers to target protest groups. This is the latest in a succession of measures taken by the UK government to clamp down on protest in the UK.”
British pro-Palestine protest group Palestine Solidarity Campaign branded the move “outrageous.” While the Stop The War Coalition simply put it: “Full solidarity with Pal Action. Bombs kill, red paint doesn’t.”
🚨BREAKING: We’re deeply concerned at the use of counter terrorism powers to target protest groups.
This is the latest in a succession of measures taken by the UK government to clamp down on protest in the UK. pic.twitter.com/NJHFiT9yee
— Amnesty UK (@AmnestyUK) June 20, 2025
Zillur Rahman, a prominent solicitor and partner at Rahman Lowe Solicitors said: “If you ever wondered how arbitrary the process is for designating organisations as terrorist groups, this makes it clear: it’s become purely a political decision. Race & religion of a group or cause being supported, undeniably influences the outcome also.”
Mohammed Akunjee, a well-known British Muslim solicitor, said: “The utter hypocrisy – I and many many lawyers in the uk will be more than happy to help Palestine Action challenge the decision.”
The NGO, Defend our Juries, said: “WE ARE ALL PALESTINE ACTION The suggestion to consider Pal Action as a proscribed group is a gross violation of UK law, opposes the definition of what a terrorist actually does, and insults the memories of victims both of genuine terrorism and of the genocide in Palestine.”
Finally, Palestine Action themselves released a statement via X in response to the news.
“We represent every individual who opposes the Israeli war machine. We represent every person that believes Palestinians are worth more than the tools used to kill them. We represent every person who stands for Palestinian liberation. If they want to ban us, they ban us all.”
Calls for serious jail time
On the other hand, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the action as “disgraceful”, saying that it was an “act of vandalism.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for Palestine Action to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
An MoD spokeswoman said: “Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain. They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
Former Conservative government minister Steve Baker reacted to news that pro-Palestine activists have broken into an RAF base on Talk TV saying: “It is reckless and wrong – they should be prosecuted to the absolute limit of the law!”
Former Tory government minister, Suella Braverman, posted on X: “Absolutely the correct decision. We must have zero tolerance for terrorism.” She also added: “Throw away the key.”
Palestine Action formed in 2020 and engages in direct action to disrupt the operations of companies and institutions they believe are complicit in Israeli actions against Palestinians, particularly targeting arms manufacturers like Elbit Systems.
Their civil disobedience tactics include trespassing, vandalism, and supply chain disruptions, such as breaking into facilities, damaging equipment, and occupying sites.
They’ve conducted over 500 operations since their founding, often accusing the UK of complicity in genocide in Gaza.
