On August 17, 2025, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated her defense of the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This controversial classification has sparked considerable debate amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the group’s activism. According to Cooper, this organization is far more than a conventional protest group known for its occasional demonstrations; it has been tied to significant incidents of violence and property damage.
In her op-ed for the Observer, Cooper elaborated on the serious nature of the allegations against Palestine Action, which has claimed responsibility for multiple incidents that have resulted in a slew of charges. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), as noted by Cooper, determined that these actions have a connection to terrorism, amplifying the gravity of the group’s activities. This statement follows a recent announcement from the Metropolitan Police concerning the impending prosecutions of an additional 60 individuals for their affiliations with Palestine Action.
The situation surrounding Palestine Action has escalated swiftly. Since the organization was officially banned by the UK government on July 5, over 700 arrests have been made, with a notable spike that includes more than 500 individuals apprehended during a recent protest in central London. The continuing crackdown shows no signs of abating, with police in Norfolk also detaining 13 individuals who were allegedly supporting the group after a demonstration in Norwich city center. The Met has warned that further prosecutions will follow in the near future, suggesting a systematic approach to investigating and prosecuting supporters of Palestine Action.
Cooper’s decision to ban Palestine Action stems from the group’s alleged involvement in destructive activities targeting arms companies, particularly following the onset of the current conflict in Gaza. Most notably, the group reportedly inflicted an estimated £7 million worth of damage to military jets at RAF Brize Norton in June, an incident that captured public attention and led to a swift governmental response. However, Cooper insists that while many may be aware of this particular case, few understand the broader implications of Palestine Action’s actions and the threats they pose.
Further complicating the narrative are claims regarding an “Underground Manual” produced by the group. According to Cooper, this document allegedly outlines strategies for establishing operational cells, targeting potential victims, and evading law enforcement, indicative of a structured approach that goes beyond peaceful protest. She emphasized that such conduct is not characteristic of a legitimate protest group, asserting the necessity of the ban.
Cooper also expressed her concern that many supporters of Palestine Action are motivated by humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza but lack a full understanding of what the organization represents. In her view, it is crucial not to allow noble calls for peace to morph into support for a group engaging in violent actions within the UK. Given this, the government’s classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization implies severe consequences, with membership or support for the group now punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Opposition to this classification has emerged from various rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which criticized the crackdown on dissent and warned that such laws could infringe on freedom of expression. The discontent over the arrests highlights broader concerns about the UK’s terrorism legislation, which some argue is overly broad and can lead to misuse against non-violent protestors.
Looking ahead, Palestine Action has received permission to appeal the ban against them, with a High Court hearing scheduled for November. The group plans to challenge the government’s decision on the grounds that it violates free speech and stifles legitimate protest efforts. Such legal challenges will be pivotal in determining the future of similar organizations and the scope of permissible protest in the UK.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Palestine Action and Cooper’s defense of the government’s actions paints a complex picture of national security, dissent, and the right to protest. As the situation continues to unfold, it raises crucial questions about the balance between law enforcement, public safety, and civil liberties in a democratic society.
