Many of those concerned constituents who have written to me urging me to oppose the proscription of group known as Palestine Action have not fully understood or perhaps misapplied the definition of terrorism. It is not restricted to abhorrent acts of lethal violence against civilians, of which we sadly have already seen too much of in this country, but also includes threats and acts of violence or serious damage to property in a manner that is designed to influence the government or intimate the public for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.
Political violence and disruption of this kind has no place in the United Kingdom; no matter how strongly people feel about an issue, and whatever the rights and wrongs of that issue, using violence to advance a political agenda is never acceptable. It is not how we do things in this country; we settle things through debate and elections.
This Government can proscribe organisations that it considers to be engaged in or promoting terrorism. As you will be aware, once an organisation is proscribed, it becomes a criminal offence to belong to it or to support it. Along with my colleagues and the vast majority of MPs, I voted to proscribe this destructive organisation. This order makes it illegal to “be a member of, or invite support for, Palestine Action”.
Turning to the attack on RAF Brize Norton which it appears was sabotage and undertaken without regard to the consequences for our Royal Air Force and their ability to defend our nation. I am clear there must be serious consequences for those responsible - these saboteurs should feel the full force of the law. This is the best way to make clear that criminal acts of sabotage against those who serve - and often risk their lives - to keep us safe are never acceptable.
A number of people have been arrested and remanded in custody over the RAF Brize Norton break in. Four have been charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. I understand the Crown Prosecution Service is submitting to the court that these offences have a terrorist connection. I will not comment further as legal proceedings are ongoing, but you can rest assured that I will continue to follow any developments - including the defendants’ upcoming appearance at the Old Bailey which must be conducted with fair and due process - with keen interest.
Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are vital rights that I wholeheartedly support. The right of an individual to express their opinion and protest peacefully is, in my view, a cornerstone of our democratic society. However, this must remain within the remit of the law – in recent years, protest activity by a minority of individuals utilising guerrilla tactics, often relentlessly reoffending, has caused misery to the hard-working public, disrupted businesses, interfered with emergency services and cost millions in taxpayers’ money.
No matter what one believes about an issue, including an important issue like Gaza, there is no excuse whatsoever for violence, intimidation, or criminal damage. As well as the reported, recent trespass at RAF Brize Norton and the damage caused to our military aircraft and infrastructure which cost around £7m, it’s understood Palestine Action has also attacked various facilities and businesses, financial firms, charities, universities, and government buildings. In Bristol, eighteen people are currently awaiting trial for an attack in which police report workers were assaulted with weapons, with one suffering a head injury and a police officer was attacked with a sledgehammer. 118 Palestine Action activists have been convicted of criminal offences between 2020 and 2024.
The Labour Government has also noted “The Underground Manual”, produced by the organisation, which encourages the creation of cells; provides practical guidance on how to carry out activity against private companies and government buildings on behalf of Palestine Action; and includes a link to a website that contains a map of specific targets across the UK. The current Home Secretary has said Palestine Action’s activity has increased since 2024 and its methods have become “more aggressive”, with its members showing “willingness to use violence”.
It’s clear there are strong views on this matter, on either side - I reiterate that I fully and unequivocally support the right to peaceful protest, including on issues relating to the Middle East, whether in support of the hostages who remain captive or of civilians in Gaza, whose situation concerns us all. However, I maintain that, in a civilised society, we debate, discuss and vote to decide upon issues — not have people attempt to impose their views, however strongly held, through acts of violence, intimidation and criminal actions. We are a democracy, and we decide things by electing a Parliament then by votes in Parliament; we abuse this system at our peril.
