London – 27 June 2025
The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) has addressed a letter to Members of the UK Parliament urging them to reject government plans to designate Palestine Action as a “terrorist organisation.” PRC warned against the dangerous use of anti-terrorism legislation to criminalise legitimate forms of political protest and direct action in support of humanitarian causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.

The letter noted that the announcement by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday, 23 June, of the government’s intention to outlaw Palestine Action marks an unprecedented escalation in the treatment of human rights-oriented political movements and poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the UK.

PRC stressed that Palestine Action is known for its non-violent, direct political actions targeting facilities linked to the UK’s arms trade with Israel—particularly Elbit Systems, which stands accused of supplying the Israeli military with weapons and technologies used in serious violations against Palestinian civilians.

PRC warned that labelling such activity as “terrorism” dangerously conflates peaceful civil disobedience with violence and sets a legal precedent that could be used to suppress other movements engaged in similarly principled and lawful advocacy.

The letter also highlighted that this proposed proscription comes amid growing international concern over the UK’s role in arming Israel, especially following the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli officials on charges including genocide and crimes against humanity.

PRC added that invoking counterterrorism frameworks in this context does nothing to address the root causes of protest. Instead, it expands the scope of political repression, shrinks the space for free expression, and marginalises voices advocating for justice and human rights.

PRC called on MPs to:

In conclusion, PRC affirmed that “history shows democratic progress is driven by protecting the space for peaceful protest and conscience-driven action,” urging Parliamentarians to take a principled and courageous stance in defence of the democratic values and fundamental freedoms that have long distinguished the United Kingdom.