The UK Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is reportedly preparing a significant move to proscribe the group Palestine Action, effectively classifying it as a terrorist organisation. This development follows a dramatic security breach and act of vandalism at RAF Brize Norton, the United Kingdom’s largest Royal Air Force station.
Sources indicate that a written statement detailing the plan is being readied for Parliament. If approved and enacted into law, joining or supporting Palestine Action would become a criminal offence, potentially carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
RAF Base Breach and Vandalism
The decision to pursue proscription comes in the wake of an incident in the early hours of Friday morning at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Two activists, purportedly associated with Palestine Action, allegedly gained access to the high-security base.
Footage shared online by the group appeared to show individuals riding on electric scooters on the tarmac. They reportedly targeted two Airbus Voyager aircraft, which are used for air-to-air refuelling and military transport, and are part of the UK’s strategic air fleet, occasionally used for VIP transport. The activists were seen spraying red paint into the jet engines using repurposed fire extinguishers. Claims of additional damage inflicted with crowbars were also made, though the extent and nature of this damage are under assessment. A Palestinian flag was reportedly left at the scene before the individuals are said to have left the base undetected.
RAF engineers are currently assessing the full extent of the damage to the aircraft, which have been impounded as part of the investigation. While Palestine Action claimed their actions rendered the planes “out of service” and “decommissioned” them, a defence source initially suggested the incident was not expected to significantly affect operations.
Palestine Action’s Justification and Government Reaction
Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a direct intervention against what they view as Britain’s complicity in actions in Gaza. The group asserted that despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, the UK continues to provide military support, citing activities such as sending military cargo, flying spy planes over Gaza from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus (for which Brize Norton facilitates flights), and refuelling US and Israeli fighter jets. They stated their aim was to “prevent crimes against the Palestinian people” and that they had “broken the chains of oppression.”
In response to the potential ban, Palestine Action stated online that they represent “every person who stands for Palestinian liberation” and that if they are banned, “they ban us all.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the actions as “disgraceful” and “an act of vandalism,” praising the service of the Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also issued a strong condemnation of the “vandalism of Royal Air Force assets” and confirmed cooperation with the police investigation. Other prominent political figures, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, had publicly called for Palestine Action to be banned following the incident.
Security Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The breach at RAF Brize Norton, a critical military installation, has sparked significant concern regarding security at UK defence sites. The incident has been described by some as a “grotesque” or “shocking indictment” of military base security, raising questions about how activists were able to gain access and move freely on the base, particularly at a time of heightened international tension.
Consequently, a security review has been launched across the entire UK defence estate to assess and potentially bolster protective measures.
A multi-agency investigation is currently underway. Specialist counter-terrorism police officers are working alongside Thames Valley Police and the Ministry of Defence Police to investigate the break-in and the criminal damage. Enquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest those responsible.
Context of Proscription and Group’s History
Proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 grants the Home Secretary the power to ban an organisation if she believes it is “concerned in terrorism.” This typically involves groups that commit, participate in, prepare for, promote, or encourage terrorism. Past organisations proscribed under this act have included a range of groups from different ideologies.
Palestine Action has been active since the start of the current conflict in Gaza, primarily targeting arms companies believed to have links to Israel. Their previous actions have included spraying red paint on buildings and property, such as the London offices of Allianz Insurance and Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course, and claiming responsibility for vandalism on a US military plane in Ireland in May.
The potential proscription has elicited mixed reactions. The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the news, linking the incident to previous alleged vandalism targeting Jewish premises. However, Amnesty International UK raised concerns about using counter-terrorism powers against protest groups, arguing that terrorism powers should not be used to aggravate charges for activists and urging the government to address potential complicity in actions in Gaza instead of suppressing protest.
