On Tuesday, November 18, protestors will gather in Gloucester as part of a nationwide campaign demanding the government revoke the designation of Palestine Action as a ‘terrorist organisation.’ This ‘Lift the Ban’ initiative is set to unfold across 18 UK towns and cities and is described by organizers as “the most widespread civil disobedience campaign in modern British history.”
In Gloucester, around 50 demonstrators plan to hold a silent sit-in outside Gloucester Cathedral from 1 pm, displaying signs declaring, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
So far, more than 2,000 individuals have been arrested under terrorism laws for participating in these protests, with approximately 170 charged under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which carries a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment.
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The current wave of protests aligns with the ongoing Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike, which began November 2, involving six detainees protesting prolonged imprisonment without trial.
The protests emerge amid growing legal and political challenges to the ban on Palestine Action. Recently, UN human rights experts condemned the proscription as “not justified,” “unnecessary,” and a violation of human rights more typical of authoritarian regimes. An independent commission — including a former MI6 director, ex-government ministers, and legal experts — criticized the government’s procedures in banning the group. Additionally, The Guardian reported government ministers were cautioned that the ban could inadvertently increase Palestine Action’s profile and spark public controversy.
A Judicial Review is underway following a Court of Appeal ruling on October 15, which denied the government’s attempt to block the legal challenge. Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori secured expanded grounds for appeal, increasing the likelihood of success.
Local police face a complex situation policing these protests. While some forces have refrained from arresting peaceful demonstrators holding ‘Lift The Ban’ signs, others have made arrests, including of elderly, disabled participants, and clergy members, as widely broadcast on national television.
In cities like Derry, Edinburgh, Totnes, Norwich, and Kendal, sign-holders have not been arrested despite notifying the authorities in advance, prompting calls for Gloucestershire Constabulary to adopt a proportional response.
Defend Our Juries, the organizing group, stated: “The growing chorus against this ban highlights principled opposition to the government’s authoritarian overreach. These mobilizations honor those imprisoned for disrupting arms flow to Israel. The Filton 24 and Brize Norton 5 deserve immediate bail and access to evidence for their defense.
“These actions stand in solidarity with Gaza and the West Bank, exposing the complicity of successive UK governments in the ongoing Palestinian crisis and the misuse of counter-terrorism laws to suppress dissent.”
Gloucestershire Constabulary commented: “We acknowledge the upcoming protest and will maintain an increased police presence to facilitate lawful and peaceful demonstration. We support individuals’ right to protest peacefully but will act against unlawful behavior and aim to minimize disruption to the public.”