Default Heading H1
The Home Secretary has announced that Palestine Action is set to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000, following the group’s dramatic break-in and vandalism at RAF Brize Norton.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed today that she will lay an order before Parliament next week, making it a criminal offence to be a member of or support Palestine Action. The move follows growing concerns over the group’s increasingly militant activity.
“The attack on Brize Norton is part of a long history of criminal damage committed by Palestine Action,” said Cooper. “This government will not tolerate threats to our national security.”
What Happened?
On Friday, 20 June, activists from Palestine Action entered RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire under the cover of darkness and vandalised two RAF Voyager aircraft.
According to video footage shared by the group, activists arrived on electric scooters, used modified fire extinguishers to spray red paint into the turbine engines, and allegedly damaged the aircraft further with crowbars.
Palestine Action claimed responsibility, stating the red paint symbolised “Palestinian blood” and alleging the aircraft were linked to UK support for Israeli military operations in Gaza via the RAF base at Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Counter-Terror Investigation Underway
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command has taken over the criminal investigation into the break-in. So far, at least three arrests have been made, with hundreds of demonstrators also seen protesting in central London over the weekend.
The Home Secretary clarified:
“This decision is specific to Palestine Action and does not affect lawful protest groups or campaigns relating to Palestine or the Middle East.”
Political and Military Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the act, calling it “disgraceful”:
“Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain. We stand behind those who defend us.”
Meanwhile, images shared with UKNIP shows one of the RAF Voyager aircraft with red spray paint covering its engines and tarmac.
Background on Palestine Action
Founded in 2020, Palestine Action has gained notoriety for targeting UK-based firms allegedly linked to Israel’s defence industry. The group has previously been involved in paint attacks, building occupations, and sit-ins at weapons factories.
With this pending proscription, the UK government has escalated its approach—treating the group not just as a disruptive protest movement but a national security threat.
Anyone found to be supporting Palestine Action once proscribed could face up to 10 years in prison.
