UK Moves to Label 'Palestine Action' a Terror Group

Protests broke out in London on Monday as the UK government announced plans to label Palestine Action a terrorist organisation. The move comes after the group claimed responsibility for damaging two military cargo planes at RAF Brize Norton, allegedly used to support Israel in Gaza.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square, expressing concern that the decision could suppress broader support for Palestine and blur the line between activism and terrorism.

Government Cites National Security Risk

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that she would submit a formal request to Parliament to proscribe the group. If approved, this would make it a criminal offense to support or be affiliated with Palestine Action.

Cooper pointed to what she called a “disgraceful” act of sabotage at the Oxfordshire airbase on June 20, stating:

“The UK’s defense systems are vital to our national security, and we won’t tolerate actions that put that at risk.”

So far, the Home Office has withheld details regarding troop movements or security changes, citing operational confidentiality.

What Is Palestine Action?

Palestine Action is known for its direct-action tactics, including spraying red paint on Allianz Insurance’s London office over its alleged ties to Israeli defense firms, and vandalizing Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland. But it was the damage to military aircraft that escalated government scrutiny.

The group says its actions target companies and institutions enabling what it describes as “Israeli apartheid and genocide.”

Critics Say It’s a Step Too Far

Within the ruling Labour Party, voices of concern have emerged. Former shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti warned that the proposed move risks criminalising peaceful dissent.

“There’s a difference between criminal damage and terrorism,” she said, “and labeling everyone loosely associated with Palestine Action as terrorists is a dangerous overreach.”

Lord Charlie Falconer, former justice secretary, echoed similar concerns, arguing that vandalising aircraft alone shouldn't justify a full proscription.

Human Rights Groups Alarmed

Activists and legal experts have long raised flags about the UK’s broad terrorism laws, warning that they could be used to stifle protest. Arrests under the Terrorism Act 2000 for pro-Palestinian content have already taken place, with some, like Sarah Wilkinson, detained without charges for extended periods.

“They’ll bail me forever and ever,” Wilkinson said, confident that support for Palestine would continue regardless of legal pressure.

A History of Direct Action

Many protesters at Monday’s rally were long-time activists, drawing comparisons to past civil disobedience efforts like the Greenham Common women’s peace camp and anti-Iraq war protests.

One protester, Deborah McIlveen, recalled:

“I’ve broken into air bases before. We danced on American bases because we didn’t want nuclear weapons. Direct action has always been part of this country’s protest culture.”

Political Fallout Looms

Some believe the push to proscribe the group is politically motivated. Activist Fiona Lali argued it was about protecting the government’s image after the Brize Norton breach.

“They’re embarrassed. That’s why they’re acting fast—Palestine Action exposed the British military.”

If Parliament approves the order, Palestine Action will join a list of 81 banned organisations under the Terrorism Act, alongside groups like Hamas, Al Qaeda, and the Wagner Group.

As the government doubles down, the debate intensifies—raising crucial questions about the limits of protest, national security, and where the line is drawn between civil disobedience and terrorism.