This week in Parliament we were asked to proscribe three organisations using the powers of the Terrorism Act 2000:

1. Palestine Action
2. Maniacs Murder Cult
3. Russian Imperial Movement, including Russian Imperial Legion

Proscription is a serious step in any democracy. That’s why I met with Dan Jarvis MP, Minister of State at the Home Office, to review the evidence behind this proposal. The section titled “UK Government Memorandum” below is the part of the briefing I’m permitted to share publicly (I have a constituent who was reportedly involved in one of the acts described).

I also raised concerns about treating these three groups as a single block. Each organisation should be assessed on its own merits. I was reassured, however, that there is a clear process for appealing a proscription order.

Since the vote, some have claimed that Palestine Action is a non-violent group. Its actions, however, tell a different story. For example, in August 2024, a police officer was taken to hospital after being injured with a sledgehammer while responding to reports of criminal damage linked to Palestine Action. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has also stated clearly that the group is willing to use violence:

It is entirely possible, and indeed necessary, to strongly oppose Prime Minister Netanyahu’s reckless actions in Gaza while also rejecting ill-informed criminal and violent acts here in the UK. Also, it is important to note, that the Labour Government has already blocked arms exports to Israel where there is a risk they could be used to break international law in Gaza by Netanyahu.

Israel has a right to secure the return of hostages, but Netanyahu’s actions have left Israel increasingly isolated. That, however, cannot justify unlawful or violent responses in the UK. To be clear, I support those calling for Netanyahu to comply with international law. Just this week, I wrote to the UK Government urging stronger action to increase aid access to Gaza and to address settler violence in the West Bank. On aid, I asked the UK Government to…

…take further action to ensure aid reaches those in need – particularly essential items such as baby formula – via air and sea routes, where feasible.

Today’s news of possible talks between Netanyahu and Hamas fills me with hope. Despite tensions, Hamas has offered a “positive response,” signalling openness to negotiation. Israel will send a delegation to Qatar for renewed ceasefire talks. While violence continues in Gaza, the resumption of dialogue, supported by international mediators, offers a glimmer of hope for a potential truce and humanitarian relief.

UK Government Memorandum
Palestine Action is a pro-Palestinian group with the stated aim to support Palestinian sovereignty by using direct criminal action tactics to halt the sale and export of military equipment to Israel. Since its inception in 2020, Palestine Action has orchestrated a nationwide campaign of direct criminal action against businesses and institutions, including key national infrastructure and defence firms that provide services and supplies to support Ukraine, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), “Five Eyes” allies and the UK defence enterprise. 

Palestine Action has also broadened its targets from the defence industry to include financial firms, charities, universities and government buildings. Its activity has increased in frequency and severity since the start of 2024 and its methods have become more aggressive, with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence. Its activities meet the threshold of being concerned in terrorism as set out in the Terrorism Act 2000.

The UK Government assesses that Palestine Action commits and participates in acts of terrorism. In several attacks, Palestine Action has committed acts of serious damage to property with the aim of progressing its political cause and influencing the Government. These include attacks at Thales in Glasgow in 2022, and in 2024 at Instro Precision in Kent and Elbit Systems UK in Bristol. The seriousness of these attacks includes the extent and nature of damage caused, including to targets affecting UK national security, and the impact on innocent members of the public. 

Palestine Action prepares for terrorism. The organisation has provided practical advice to assist its members with conducting attacks that have resulted in serious damage to property at targets across the UK to further its cause. In late 2023, Palestine Action released the “The Underground Manual” which can be accessed via its website. The guide encourages the creation of cells and provides practical guidance about how to carry out activity against private companies and government buildings on behalf of Palestine Action, including how to evade arrest. The document provides a link to a website also created by Palestine Action which contains a map of specific targets across the UK. The manual encourages members to undertake a number of operational security measures to protect the covert nature of their activity. 

Palestine Action promotes and encourages terrorism. Through its media output, Palestine Action publicises and promotes its attacks involving serious property damage, as well as celebrating the perpetrators. Palestine Action activists often record footage of their activity and Palestine Action publicises this imagery and other details on its media channels. Palestine Action encourages its followers to support the perpetrators of such attacks and to send messages of support to those who are imprisoned as a result of their activity, demonstrating a sympathetic and celebratory posture.

Since 2020, Palestine Action’s campaign has resulted in hundreds of millions of pounds worth of criminal damage and lost revenue. Members of Palestine Action have been charged with serious offences for activity carried out during attacks, including offences involving violence and weapons. Attackers caused over a million pounds worth of damage at the Thales defence factory in Glasgow in 2022. The Sheriff, in passing custodial sentences for the attacker’s violent crimes, spoke of the panic among staff who feared for their safety as pyrotechnics and smoke bombs were thrown.

Palestine Action has a considerable online presence that has enabled the organisation to galvanise popular support; recruit and train members across the UK; and raise considerable funds through online donations. Palestine Action has a footprint in all 45 policing regions in the UK.

Proscription will enable law enforcement to effectively disrupt Palestine Action. It will help undermine the convert methods that Palestine Action uses and help reduce the risk that Palestine Action radicalises people wishing to demonstrate legitimate support for the Palestinian cause into becoming members or supporters of the organisation.