Labour’s Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action (PA), labelling the group and its supporters as “terrorists.” This deeply authoritarian move would make membership in PA punishable by up to 14 years in prison—putting it on the same legal footing as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the neo-Nazi group National Action.

This is an unprecedented attack on civil liberties in Britain. For the first time in modern history, a non-violent protest movement could be banned under terrorism laws. Even compared to the sweeping restrictions on protest and strike action introduced by the last government, this represents a new low.

So what is PA’s supposed “terrorist” offence? Spray-painting two military planes at an RAF base to protest the UK’s role in supporting the Israeli states brutal war on Gaza. While Keir Starmer is quick to criminalise this symbolic act, he refuses to call the mass killing of Palestinians terrorism. Since October 7, more than 60,000 people have been killed. The Israeli state has bombed aid routes, gunned down civilians seeking food, and cut off water, food and medicine.

Starmer’s government isn’t just turning a blind eye to extermination—it’s actively supporting it. Between December 2023 and March 2025, over 500 British surveillance flights gathered intelligence for the Israeli military. Refuelling aircraft have recently been deployed to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to support military operations against Iran. The UK has even trained Israeli troops on British soil.

Despite occasional calls for a ceasefire, Starmer remains firmly aligned with U.S. imperialism. His support for Netanyahu and even Trump exposes the true loyalties of this so-called progressive government.

Build Mass Resistance to Defeat the Ban

This crackdown doesn’t come from confidence, but fear. Polls show most people in Britain want arms sales to Israel to end. Starmer’s support for war, particularly against Iran, is deeply unpopular. Targeting a protest group like PA is a classic divide-and-rule tactic meant to deflect attention and sow fear.

But the ban can be defeated—if the movement responds with urgency and unity. 

The attack on PA is part of a broader campaign to criminalise dissent—especially among anti-war and labour activists. That’s why trade unions must step up. Every union should pass emergency motions opposing the ban and expressing solidarity with Palestine Action. Local branches should do the same. This will make enforcement far more difficult and build the confidence needed to escalate resistance.

Beyond statements, we need real action. Trade unions should support workers who take direct action to stop the transport and production of arms headed for Israel. Instead, use existing skills, retraining and retooling for green technology and production. A national demonstration must be organised—uniting the anti-war and labour movements to demand an end to the genocidal war and a repeal of the ban.