The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has expressed his shock and frustration ahead of a planned protest in support of Palestine Action, set to take place in London on Monday.
This comes on the heels of an incident on Friday when activists from Palestine Action breached RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, vandalizing two military planes with red paint to protest the UK’s backing of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In light of these events, the Home Secretary is reportedly preparing to present a written statement to Parliament on Monday that would classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.
Rowley acknowledged the importance of the right to protest but stated, “actions in support of such a group go beyond what most would see as legitimate protest.” He described Palestine Action as an “organised extremist criminal group” and noted that, until an official proscription is enacted, the Met lacks the legal authority to prevent the upcoming protest. However, he emphasized that the police would impose conditions to prevent disorder and significant disruption, asserting that any violations of the law would be addressed firmly. The Met will announce the specific conditions for the protest once they are finalized.
On social media, Palestine Action responded to the anticipated ban, arguing that the political establishment is quick to label them as “terrorists” while committing serious violations against humanity. Saeed Taji Farouky, a member of Palestine Action, described the government’s plan to label the group as absurd and a threat to British democracy and the rule of law, remarking, “It’s something everyone should be terrified about.”
The group has primarily focused its activities on targeting arms companies since the conflict escalated, claiming responsibility in May for defacing a US military aircraft in Ireland. Farouky reiterated that the group’s purpose is to disrupt the supply chain fueling what they term “genocide,” attributing Friday’s actions to the heightened urgency of their cause.
Israel has denied allegations of genocide in relation to the ongoing warfare in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the RAF incident as “disgraceful,” and counter-terrorism police are currently investigating the break-in.
The proposal to ban Palestine Action has received support from certain Westminster figures, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who called it an “absolutely the correct decision.” Conversely, Labour MP Zarah Sultana criticized the move, invoking historical protests against the Iraq War, stating, “A million people marched against the illegal war in Iraq and they were right. Now the same script is playing out again.”
Amnesty International UK expressed deep concern over the use of counter-terrorism powers to target protesters.
Since the onset of Israel’s military operations against Hamas following the deadly cross-border attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 others, regular protests have been held in London. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 55,000 individuals have lost their lives in the region since that date, including over 15,000 children.