Proportion of Detained Palestine Action Supporters Over Age 60 Surges, Signifying Broadening Defiance Against the UK Government

In a significant move, the UK government has designated the group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under anti-terrorism legislation. This decision comes after several incidents of property damage and security breaches at military installations, including RAF Brize Norton and companies linked to military technology supplied to Israel.

Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones stated that anyone supporting Palestine Action will "feel the full force of the law" and places in prison will be made available for anyone convicted. The Minister's statement follows the arrest of over 500 people at a protest in London, with 30 of these individuals having been apprehended at previous rallies in support of Palestine Action.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre concluded that Palestine Action had committed three separate acts of terrorism, leading to the proscription of the group from July 5, 2025. These acts included vandalism and property damage at companies linked to military technology, such as Elbit Systems, and a security breach at RAF Brize Norton airbase, involving unauthorized entry and vandalism (spray-painting two military aircraft).

However, the proscription of Palestine Action has sparked controversy. Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and UN experts argue that the UK’s terrorism laws have an overly broad definition, including property damage as terrorism, which is inconsistent with international standards. They also worry that the proscription could have a chilling effect on political protest and free speech, as over 700 people have been arrested in the UK for expressing support for Palestine Action, even for non-violent forms of expression.

Neil Basu, former deputy commissioner of the Met and its head of counter-terrorism, stated that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action was based on intelligence over its intentions that cannot be revealed. The evidence of Palestine Action's terrorism has not been made clear to the wider public due to national security concerns. The Metropolitan Police did not provide further details on the specific violent acts committed by Palestine Action that led to their proscription.

Notably, Palestine Action has gained traction with people beyond the typical protest movement, as indicated by the increasing spread of ages among those arrested. Jonathon Porritt, a former adviser to prime minister Tony Blair and King Charles III, was among those arrested at the protest.

The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made the decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation after some of its members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged planes in protest. The UK Prime Minister's official spokesman stated that Palestine Action was proscribed due to three violent acts involving significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.

Counter-terrorism officers will work to put together case files required to secure charges against those arrested. Securing a charge for an offence under the Terrorism Act involves approval of the Crown Prosecution Service and, in some instances, the Attorney General.

In a statement, Palestine Action has said it will legally challenge the decision to designate it a terrorist group. The group's actions, while controversial, have highlighted the complexities and debates surrounding the application of terrorism designations to such cases.

Proportion of Detained Palestine Action Supporters Over Age 60 Surges, Signifying Broadening Defiance Against the UK Government