Overview

• A draft order will be laid before Parliament on June 30 under the Terrorism Act 2000, making membership or support of Palestine Action punishable by up to 14 years in prison
• The move follows activists’ break-in at RAF Brize Norton, where two military planes were spray-painted and damaged, reportedly costing millions in repairs
• Palestine Action has raised over £130,000 and engaged human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce to mount a legal challenge against the proposed ban
• Eleven MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott, have publicly defended the group and criticised the government’s use of anti-terrorism laws against direct-action protesters
• Amnesty International UK and other rights organisations warn that proscribing the group risks curbing freedom of expression and assembly and may not deter future actions