Downing Street has described Palestine Action as a “violent organisation” responsible for “significant injury” and “extensive criminal damage,” stating that it meets the criteria for proscription under the Terrorism Act.
The remarks came from the prime minister’s official spokesperson when asked about arrests linked to protests involving the group. The spokesperson said that while many people “may not yet know the reality of this organisation,” government assessments had concluded that it had engaged in violence and met the legal threshold to be banned.
The UK government formally proscribed Palestine Action last month, making membership or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The organisation, which describes itself as a direct action network targeting companies linked to Israel’s arms industry, has been involved in protests, occupations, and acts of property damage since its launch in 2020.
The group’s supporters have held multiple demonstrations against the ban, arguing that it infringes on the right to protest and is intended to silence dissent over the UK’s relationship with Israel.