UK Parliament Votes to Designate Palestine Action as Terrorist Group

In a significant legislative move, members of the UK Parliament voted overwhelmingly to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, following recent incidents that included targeting a Royal Air Force (RAF) base and the UK headquarters of an Israeli defense contractor. The vote, which took place on July 2, 2025, saw 385 MPs in favor of the proscription, while only 26 voted against it, reflecting a strong governmental stance against the group's activities.

This amendment to the Terrorism Act 2000, which also includes two white supremacist groups—Maniacs Murder Cult and Russia Imperial Movement—will be considered by the House of Lords on July 3, 2025. If approved, the law will come into effect at midnight on July 9, 2025, criminalizing membership and support for the designated organizations, with potential penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

The context of this decision stems from escalating tensions and actions attributed to Palestine Action, a group known for its direct actions against companies associated with the Israeli military. Recent incidents included the vandalism of RAF aircraft, where activists allegedly caused significant damage while protesting against the UK's arms trade with Israel. On June 20, 2025, two activists reportedly infiltrated RAF Brize Norton, spraying red paint into the engines of two Airbus Voyager aircraft, an act that prompted a comprehensive security review across UK defense installations.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis defended the government's decision, arguing that Palestine Action's actions extend beyond lawful protest. "People engaged in lawful protest do not throw smoke bombs and fire pyrotechnics around innocent members of the public," he asserted. Jarvis highlighted the group's tactics as indicative of a departure from legitimate dissent, framing the proscription as a necessary step to safeguard public safety and national security.

However, the decision has sparked a fierce debate among lawmakers and civil rights advocates. Several Labour MPs voiced their concerns during the parliamentary debate, asserting that classifying Palestine Action as a terrorist organization sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and political dissent in the UK. Independent MP Zarah Sultana described the comparison of the group's actions to terrorism as "absurd" and argued that such legislation could chill dissent and suppress the truth regarding Palestinian solidarity efforts.

Organizations such as Amnesty International and Liberty have condemned the proscription, labeling it a troubling escalation of the government’s crackdown on protest rights. They argue that the law could infringe upon the ability of individuals to express solidarity with Palestine, urging the Home Secretary to reconsider the implications of this designation.

In response to the parliamentary vote, Palestine Action announced plans to mount a legal challenge against the proscription, with an initial hearing set for July 4, 2025. The group contends that its actions are a form of legitimate protest against what they describe as complicity in war crimes by UK arms manufacturers.

As the legal and political ramifications of this decision unfold, the UK government faces growing scrutiny over its approach to civil liberties and the balance between national security and freedom of expression. The outcome of the House of Lords' deliberations and any subsequent legal challenges will be pivotal in shaping the future of protest rights in the UK, particularly concerning issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.