In July 2025, the UK government officially designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000. This classification criminalizes membership in the group, with potential penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

Story Highlights

• The UK government banned Palestine Action as a terrorist group in July 2025.
• Membership or support for the group can result in up to 14 years imprisonment.
• The ban followed an incident in June 2025 where group members entered a military airfield and spray-painted military aircraft.
• Over 200 arrests have been made since the ban took effect, including at peaceful protests.
• The UN Human Rights Chief condemned the move as a “disturbing misuse” of counter-terrorism legislation.

Government Decision and Rationale

The UK Home Office’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action has initiated discussions regarding the scope of counter-terrorism powers. Palestine Action, founded in 2020, has engaged in direct actions targeting Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems, which have included building occupations, blockades, and property damage. While these tactics have crossed legal boundaries, the group has stated that its actions do not involve violence against individuals or threats to human life.

The government’s ban was implemented after an incident in June 2025, where members of Palestine Action infiltrated a UK military airfield and spray-painted military aircraft. This event was cited by authorities as justification for invoking the Terrorism Act 2000. The proscription, effective July 5, 2025, means that individuals found to be members, supporters, or publicly associated with Palestine Action are subject to potential prison sentences.

Impact on Protests and Rights

Following the ban, UK law enforcement reported over 200 arrests under terrorism legislation, including individuals participating in protests described as peaceful. Critics argue that this application of anti-terrorism laws, originally intended for violent extremism, may affect constitutional rights of assembly and expression. Concerns have been raised about the potential for such broad application to criminalize political dissent and advocacy.

International Reaction

Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, publicly criticized the ban, describing it as a “disturbing misuse” of counter-terrorism law. This statement has highlighted international concerns regarding the UK’s approach. Legal experts have also commented that expanding the definition of terrorism to include non-violent protest actions could impact democratic principles.

Watch the report: Palestine Action ‘to be banned’ as terror group, home secretary says

Sources:

UK Palestine Action ban ‘disturbing misuse’ of UK counter-terrorism legislation – Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Proscribed terror groups or organisations – UK Government