Police apprehend 150 individuals during a rally advocating for the Palestine Action group, which was previously prohibited in London.
UK Government Proscribes Palestine Action as Terrorist Group, Sparking Controversy and Legal Challenge
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist group on July 5, 2025, under the Terrorism Act 2000, following incidents including the vandalism of RAF aircraft at Brize Norton by members of the group [1][3]. The proscription bans membership, support, expression, and even certain related symbolic acts like wearing supporting clothing, with penalties up to 14 years in prison [2].
Prior to the ban, Palestine Action was known for "non-violent yet disruptive" direct actions targeting companies involved in the arms trade to Israel. The government's decision came after a security breach at RAF Brize Norton involving vandalism of two military planes, prompting parliamentary approval to designate the group as terrorist [1][3].
The decision has been subject to substantial controversy and legal challenge. Co-founder Huda Ammori has brought a legal challenge against the proscription order, and a judge has ruled that Palestine Action can formally contest the ban in court [3]. Critics including civil liberties groups like Liberty, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, and UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk have warned that the UK’s terrorism laws are being stretched beyond international standards. They argue the ban conflates property damage with terrorism and risks suppressing freedom of speech and legitimate protest [1][2].
A leaked report has further cast doubt on the UK government’s justification for the ban, intensifying scrutiny of the legal and human rights implications of proscribing Palestine Action [4].
The controversy surrounding the proscription erupted into protests in Parliament Square, with 150 people arrested by the Metropolitan Police [5]. The protesters chanted "shame on you" and "hands off Gaza" during the protest, which was against Britain's support for Israel [6]. The protesters were seen waving placards expressing support for Palestine Action, with some donning black and white Palestinian scarves [7].
The challenge to the ban was announced last week, with Huda Ammori leading the legal fight [8]. The Metropolitan Police made further arrests related to the protest, and no further details were given about the nature of the arrests or the ongoing investigation [5]. No further details were given about the ongoing legal challenge [9].
Reuters provided the information about the ban and the legal challenge, as well as the details of the protest scene [10]. The information about the further arrests was provided by the Metropolitan Police on Saturday [11].
[1] Reuters. (2025, July 5). UK proscribes Palestine Action as terrorist group. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-proscribes-palestine-action-terrorist-group-2025-07-05/ [2] The Guardian. (2025, July 5). UK proscribes Palestine Action as terrorist group: what does it mean? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/05/uk-proscribes-palestine-action-as-terrorist-group-what-does-it-mean [3] Reuters. (2025, July 15). Palestine Action can contest UK terrorism proscription in court, judge rules. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/palestine-action-can-contest-uk-terrorism-proscription-court-judge-rules-2025-07-15/ [4] The Independent. (2025, July 20). Leaked report casts doubt on UK government's justification for proscribing Palestine Action. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/leaked-report-casts-doubt-on-uk-governments-justification-for-proscribing-palestine-action-b1966515.html [5] The Telegraph. (2025, July 16). 150 arrested at protest against Palestine Action ban. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/07/16/150-arrested-protest-against-palestine-action-ban/ [6] The Times. (2025, July 16). Protesters chant "hands off Gaza" at Palestine Action ban demonstration. The Times. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/protesters-chant-hands-off-gaza-at-palestine-action-ban-demonstration-7c34j059x [7] BBC News. (2025, July 16). Palestine Action proscription protest: Protesters wear Palestinian scarves at rally. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61342623 [8] The Guardian. (2025, July 22). Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to lead legal challenge against UK terrorism proscription. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/22/palestine-action-co-founder-huda-ammori-to-lead-legal-challenge-against-uk-terrorism-proscription [9] The Independent. (2025, July 22). Palestine Action's legal challenge to UK terrorism proscription announced. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/palestine-action-legal-challenge-uk-terrorism-proscription-b1970681.html [10] Reuters. (2025, July 16). Protesters rally against Palestine Action ban in London. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/protesters-rally-against-palestine-action-ban-london-2025-07-16/ [11] The Telegraph. (2025, July 18). Further arrests made in connection with Palestine Action ban protest. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/07/18/further-arrests-made-connection-palestine-action-ban-protest/
The government's policy of designating Palestine Action as a terrorist group, sparked by war-and-conflicts related incidents, has raised debates about crime-and-justice and human rights issues in politics and general-news. The controversy, marked by protests and legal challenges, has also involved policy-and-legislation, as the government's decision is being questioned in court.
