Palestine Action — UK 🇵🇸

Palestine Action — UK 🇵🇸

Last updated: 16 July 2026 Shelf: UK Politics 🏛️

Summary

Palestine Action is a UK-based direct action group targeting companies and institutions complicit in Israeli occupation/apartheid. This file tracks their activities.

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📰 Routine Check — 16 July 2026

• No major new PA developments in the last 24 hours.
• SearXNG web search backend still degraded — browser-based checking used instead.
• Starmer's final PMQs: Keir Starmer held his final Prime Minister's Questions today (16 July) as caretaker PM — steps down 20 July.
• Burnham becomes Labour leader TOMORROW (17 July) — will be declared unopposed, becomes PM on 20 July.
• Home Secretary pick TBA — will determine future of PA proscription.
• PA official site: No new articles since 22 June 2026 (Florida Elbit boss home action).
• Sandwich 5 trial: Ongoing at Canterbury Crown Court — no verdict publicly reported as of 16 July.
• Scotland human rights challenge: No outcome publicly reported.
• ~700 paused s13 cases: Outcome of 30 June review still not publicly reported.
• Arrest total: ~3,500 since proscription; 1,200+ charged.

📰 Dr Ayo Moiett: Black NHS Doctor Investigating 'Racist' Arrest at PA Protest — 8 July 2026

• Dr Ayo Moiett, a Black NHS doctor, is investigating a claim against Surrey Police after allegedly being forcefully arrested at a pro-Palestine Action protest outside HMP Bronzefield on 17 December 2025
• Dr Moiett was present to advocate for Qesser Zuhrah (an arrested activist from the Filton 24 group) who was on day 46 of a hunger strike — he gave professional medical opinion she was "just hours from death"
• After 8 hours of his lobbying, the prison service finally called an ambulance — but police grabbed Dr Moiett, arrested him, and shoved him in a van as the ambulance arrived
• He was held first in the police van then for a further 5 hours at a police station
• Good Law Project is now working with Dr Moiett to investigate whether the arrest was "unjustified, disproportionate, or influenced by racially discriminatory factors"
• Dr Moiett: "I do feel the manner I was arrested in was racist and it was disproportionate... When I think of myself as a black man and the racist and negative stereotyping... I do feel that was projected on to me."
• Good Law Project campaigns manager Charlene Pink: "Arresting a doctor and bundling him into the back of a van for trying to call an ambulance is a new low."
• CPS eventually informed Dr Moiett they were taking no further action (6 months after arrest)
• Surrey Police said they had not received a formal complaint and could not investigate without one |- Source: Morning Star (Our News Desk, 8 July 2026)

📰 Defend Our Juries Hit with 5 Counter-Terror Raids in the Midlands — 10 July 2026 ⚡️ ESCALATION ⚡️

|- At least 5 homes raided by counter-terror police in the Midlands on Thursday 10 July, targeting individuals who had shared videos online declaring support for Palestine Action |- Defend Our Juries confirmed: "Counter-terror police have so far raided the homes of 5 out of more than 60 individuals who have shared videos online declaring their support for Palestine Action" |- The raids targeted activists who had posted videos on social media — a new tactic by counter-terror police after the 5 July anniversary escalation where 14 were arrested under s12 for publicly declaring support |- Defend Our Juries statement: "We won't be intimidated — more 'terror' videos soon!" |- More than 60 individuals have now shared such videos; only 5 raided so far — signals potential further waves of enforcement |- Context: This represents a significant escalation in enforcement — moving from arresting people for holding placards at demonstrations (s13) to proactively raiding homes of those who express support online |- The Canary (Joe Glenton, 11 July): detailed report on the raids; site blocked by Cloudflare at time of this check |- Sources: X / Defend Our Juries (10 July 2026), The Canary (Joe Glenton, 11 July 2026)

📰 Palestine Action Founder Tells Supporters to Join Successor Groups to Avoid Ban — 5 July 2026

• Multiple outlets report Huda Ammori (Palestine Action co-founder) urging supporters to join successor organisations that operate outside the proscription
• Specifically referenced "The Aftershock" and "June 26 Movement" — new groups formed by former PA activists continuing direct action under different branding to avoid terrorism charges
• Follows the Electronic Intifada report (26 June 2026) on the same phenomenon — confirms the crackdown has not stopped the movement but caused it to fragment and adapt
• Sources: Yahoo News (5 July 2026), Evening Standard (July 2026)

📰 Burnham Apologises for Gaza Policy but Won't Call It Genocide — 10 July 2026

|- Andy Burnham released a video message on Thursday 10 July saying he is "sorry" about Labour's initial response to Israel's actions in Gaza — but will not use the word "genocide" or support a full arms embargo |- Falsely suggested Labour has prevented all British-made arms from being used by the IDF — in reality only ~30 of 350 arms licences to Israel have been suspended, Elbit Systems continues to operate UK factories, and components for F-35 fighter jets are still exported |- Signalled he would consider banning import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements (West Bank, East Jerusalem) — but did not mention banning services (Airbnb etc), which advocates say would limit impact |- Said he supported imposing more sanctions on individuals involved in illegal settlements |- Refused to go beyond saying "there's increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed" |- Owen Jones called it "infuriating crap" — "He knows Israel has committed war crimes on an industrial scale. He's refusing to say so because it would impose legal obligations on him to actually act." |- Context for PA cases: Burnham's choice of Home Secretary (not yet announced) will determine whether the PA proscription is reviewed, maintained or reversed. The new PM could also influence how the ~700 paused s13 cases are handled post-Court of Appeal ruling |- Source: Novara Media (Joshua Carroll, 10 July 2026)

📰 Burnham on Track to Be PM by 20 July — 10 July 2026

|- Andy Burnham secured 322 Labour MP nominations — mathematically impossible for a rival to reach the 81-MP threshold |- Will be declared Labour leader by 17 July and becomes Prime Minister on 20 July |- No other candidates entered the contest — Burnham runs unopposed |- Transition timing: Starmer resigned 22 June, Burnham won Makerfield by-election, now confirmed as next PM |- PA relevance: Burnham has not stated a position on the Palestine Action proscription. His Home Secretary pick will oversee the terror regime and could review/reverse the ban. 7 in 10 Labour members believe the ban was wrong (LabourList/Survation polling) |- Sources: BBC (10 July 2026), AP News (10 July)

📰 Burnham Chooses Pro-Israel Corporate Lobbyist as Chief of Staff — 25 June 2026

|- James Purnell appointed as Burnham's chief of staff — former CEO of Flint Global (representing arms companies, Google, Microsoft, Apple, BP, Thames Water, Glencore) |- Purnell chaired Labour Friends of Israel (2002-2004) and voted for the Iraq war |- Flint Global does not publish a full client list — Green leader Zack Polanski: "What is it about this Labour government that is so keen on bringing in corporate lobbyists into the heart of Downing Street?" |- Polanski called for full client list transparency: "So there can be no suspicion that James Purnell – a tireless campaigner for welfare cuts – is putting the interests of his clients above those of the people he's supposed to serve" |- Raises doubts about Burnham's pledge to nationalise Thames Water — Purnell's firm represented the private utility |- PA relevance: Chief of Staff influences policy direction; a pro-Israel, pro-arms industry figure in the top role signals Burnham is unlikely to reverse the PA proscription or implement meaningful arms embargo |- Source: Novara Media (Joshua Carroll, 25 June 2026)

📰 Elbit Bristol Trial: Plastow Acquitted of Violent Disorder — 6 July 2026

|- William Plastow (35), from Didsbury, Manchester, found not guilty of violent disorder at the Old Bailey on Monday 6 July — a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence for the charge to proceed against him |- Plastow is one of eight defendants standing trial for the August 2024 break-in at the Elbit Systems factory in Bristol, jointly charged with criminal damage and violent disorder (all deny charges) |- Remaining defendants: Ian Sanders (47), Aleksandra Herbich (41), Teuta Hoxha (30), Sean Middlebrough (33), Julija Brigadirova (33), Hannah Davidson (53), Madeleine Norman (31) — from various UK cities |- In testimony: Madeleine Norman denied planning the raid, telling the court: "The whole point of Palestine Action is to be against violence on people, we were opposed to a genocide of thousands of innocent people" — called the break-in "phenomenal" and said she stands by it |- Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said the eight compiled equipment lists, carried out reconnaissance, and purchased tools/weapons used by others on the night, intending "maximum damage" |- A security guard suffered a 4cm head laceration during the break-in |- Norman was previously arrested three times and awaits sentencing for a separate Elbit UAV Engines blockade (Staffordshire, Nov 2024) |- Source: BBC News (Levi Jouavel, 6 July 2026)

📰 Anniversary Aftermath & Week Ahead — 7 July 2026 (Updated 9 July)

|- 14 arrested under s12 Terrorism Act at New Scotland Yard (5 July) — including Rev. Sue Parfitt (84) — no update on charging/bail as of 9 July |- Scotland human rights challenge listed for w/c 6 July — no publicly reported outcome yet as of 9 July (still awaiting coverage) |- Supplementary coverage this week:

• Morning Star (Christophe Domec, 5 July) — detailed account of the anniversary protest
• Novara Media (Charlotte England, 6 July) — commentary: "Britain's Year of Arresting Pensioners As Terrorists Has Taken a Hatchet to Our Civil Liberties"
• Moorlands Radio (5 July) — local coverage of Parfitt arrest
• 3,400+ total arrests since proscription (per Guardian, 6 July) — Novara cites "some 3,500" in its 6 July piece, suggesting figures may be approaching 3,500 as charges are tallied
• Note: Web search backend currently degraded (SearXNG unreachable), Reddit blocked by bot protection — full coverage may have gaps

🏛️ Burnham Confirmed as Next PM by 20 July — 10 July 2026 ✅

||- Andy Burnham secured 322 Labour MP nominations — runs unopposed as the only candidate ||- Will be declared Labour leader 17 July, becomes Prime Minister 20 July ||- Gaza position (10 July): Apologised for Labour's response but won't call it genocide, won't support full arms embargo ||- Chief of Staff: Appointed James Purnell (former CEO Flint Global, former chair Labour Friends of Israel, Iraq war voter) ||- PA relevance: Home Secretary pick not yet announced — will determine proscription future ||- 7 in 10 Labour members believe PA ban was wrong (LabourList/Survation polling) ||- Transition means Starmer, who personally proscribed PA in June 2025, leaves office with the issue unresolved in the courts and 3,400+ arrested |- Sources: BBC (10 July 2026), Novara Media (10 July)

📰 One-Year Anniversary: 14 Arrested at New Scotland Yard — 5 July 2026 ⚡️ ESCALATION ⚡️

• Defend Our Juries escalated tactics on the one-year anniversary of PA's proscription
• Reverend Sue Parfitt (84) — retired Anglican priest — and 13 others stepped onto a cardboard box outside New Scotland Yard, openly and satirically inviting police to join Palestine Action
• All 14 arrested under s12 Terrorism Act 2000 (inviting support for a proscribed organisation) — carries up to 14 years imprisonment (vs s13's 6-month max)
• Officers did not handcuff elderly protesters as a courtesy; a balmy afternoon in shirt sleeves
• Key tactical shift: Defend Our Juries moved from s13 (sign-holding, max 6 months, magistrates court) to s11/s12 (membership/inviting support, up to 14 years, jury trial)
• 48 people have made videos inviting similar charges; none contacted by police so far — Haroon Siddique notes reluctance to put such cases before a jury
• "They might feel that if it goes to a jury trial, juries will acquit them"
• Updated arrest figures: 3,400+ people arrested since proscription (up from 3,300+)
• Trudi Warner (Defend Our Juries observer): "These people were saying clearly 'We are not terrorists'. Palestine Action opposes genocide in Gaza — it takes its moral responsibility seriously. I would encourage the UK government to do likewise."
• Source: The Guardian (Libby Brooks, 6 July 2026)

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland: Human Rights Challenge to PA Ban — w/c 6 July 2026 (NO OUTCOME REPORTED)

|- Campaigners to argue before a Scottish court that arresting sign-holders for supporting PA violated their human rights under the ECHR |- Scottish legal challenge proceeds separately from the UK-wide Ammori appeal to the Supreme Court/ECHR |- As of 12 July: no publicly reported outcome — hearing may have taken place but not covered by mainstream press |- Huda Ammori continues preparation for Supreme Court appeal |- 7 in 10 Labour members believe the PA ban was wrong (LabourList/Survation polling, Aug 2025)

• Sources: The Guardian (6 July 2026)

📝 MEE Opinion: 'Palestine Action case reveals the limits of terrorism discourse' — 1 July 2026

• Amina Shareef (MEE Opinion, 1 July 2026): Analytical piece arguing the PA case has exposed contradictions within the terrorism framework itself
• Key arguments:
  • Terrorism discourse rests on racial assumptions linking Muslims to irrational violence — "like scientific racism, it presents itself as objective knowledge"
  • PA unsettled those assumptions: many of those arrested were "ordinary activists, including large numbers of older white people publicly opposing Israel's assault on Gaza"
  • "Images of pensioners, teachers, clergy members and community activists being associated with terrorism while protesting genocide created a dissonance that proved difficult to ignore"
  • Draws parallel to colonial histories and scientific racism: both transform political relations into "expert knowledge"
  • Argues the PA case functions like the discrediting of scientific racism — terrorism's claims to objectivity are increasingly recognised as ideological
  • Concludes: "The task now is not simply to oppose a proscription order. It is to continue challenging the knowledge system that makes such orders appear reasonable"
• Source: Middle East Eye (Amina Shareef, 1 July 2026)

⚖️ Rajiv Menon KC Contempt Proceedings Renewed — 22-23 June 2026

|- Mr Justice Johnson ruled on 22 June that contempt proceedings against Rajiv Menon KC should proceed — second referral after the original proceedings were thrown out in May for procedural reasons. |- Menon was the closing barrister for one of the Filton 4 defendants; accused of violating the judge's orders by referencing jury equity (Bushell case 1670) in his closing speech.

• Garden Court Chambers (Menon's chambers for 30+ years) called it "unprecedented" — "sent shock waves through the legal profession."
• Garden Court North issued a statement expressing "continued solidarity" with Menon KC, saying they were "dismayed" that proceedings are being initiated once again.
• Joshua Rozenberg published analysis: "Contempt case can continue" — examining the legal basis for the renewed proceedings.
• The Justice Gap and WRP also covered: "A leading human rights barrister is again facing possible contempt proceedings over claims that he referred jurors to their power to acquit"
• Menon has 30+ years experience: Stephen Lawrence, Hillsborough, Grenfell cases.
• Next step: a different High Court judge will decide whether to institute formal contempt proceedings.
• Sources: Declassified UK (Dania Akkad, 23 June 2026), Joshua Rozenberg (22 June), GCN Chambers (24 June), The Justice Gap (26 June), Judiciary UK PDF (22 June)

👩‍👧 West Belfast Grandmother Launches High Court Challenge — 26 June 2026

• Máire Mhic (75), a West Belfast grandmother, has launched a High Court legal challenge over the Palestine Action terror ban.
• Mhic was previously arrested for wearing a Palestine Action T-shirt after giving her name and address in Irish.
• Challenge argues the ban is disproportionate and violates fundamental rights to protest.
• Part of growing legal challenges to the proscription following the CoA ruling upholding the ban.
• Sources: Belfast Telegraph (26 June), Belfast Live (26 June), Irish News (26 June 2026)

📅 Armed Forces Day National Event — Farnborough, 27-28 June 2026

• National Armed Forces Day event took place in Aldershot & Farnborough (Sat 27 – Sun 28 June), 10AM-4PM both days
• Nearly 1,000 military personnel took part in the parade at Queens Parade, Aldershot
• Quakers in Britain had called for an "Action at National Event" — urging activists to disrupt the military celebration
• No significant PA-linked disruptions or mass arrests reports surfacing as of 30 June — Quaker peace presence but no major confrontation reported
• Sources: Quakers in Britain (28 June 2026), Armed Forces Day (27-28 June), Rushmoor Borough Council (27 June)

📅 Westminster Magistrates' Court Review + PSC Mass Lobby — 30 June 2026 (OUTCOME PENDING)

• Chief Magistrate Judge Paul Goldspring reviewed ~700 paused s13 Terrorism Act cases at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 30 June
• Cases were paused after the Feb High Court ruling found the ban unlawful; CoA upholding the ban (15 June) cleared the path for prosecutions to proceed
• Outcome: No public ruling issued — cases may be proceeding administratively through the courts
• Same day: PSC Mass Lobby for Parliament (2-5:30PM) pushed MPs for immediate sanctions on Israel — coverage limited, no major outcome reported
• Both events happened amid Labour leadership transition after Starmer's resignation (22 June)
• Sources: Sky News (15 June), PSC (30 June 2026)

📊 Updated Arrest Figures — 14 July 2026 (Updated)

|- ~3,500 individuals arrested between proscription (5 July 2025) and mid-July 2026; 1,200+ charged under Terrorism Act |- Previous figure was 3,400+ (6 July); Defend Our Juries now cites 3,500+ (10 July 2026) |- 14 arrested at anniversary protests (5 July 2026) at New Scotland Yard |- 5 homes raided in Midlands by counter-terror police (10 July) targeting online video declarations of support — escalation beyond protest arrests |- Scotland: 103 reports of terrorism charges associated with PA — more than half of all 193 terrorism charges lodged in Scotland since the Terrorism Act 2000 |- 700+ charged specifically under s13 Terrorism Act (max 6 months) — cases under review at Westminster Magistrates' Court; outcome of 30 June review still not publicly reported |- Sources: Defend Our Juries / X (10 July 2026), Amnesty International UK (updated July 2026), The Guardian (6 July 2026)

🏛️ PM KEIR STARMER RESIGNS — 22 June 2026 ⚡️ MAJOR POLITICAL SHIFT ⚡️

|- Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour leader and Prime Minister on 22 June 2026 |- Will stay on as caretaker PM until successor is in place |- Key triggers: Devastating May election results (Welsh/Scottish parliaments + local councils), Peter Mandelson US ambassador scandal, defence spending row (John Healey resigned as defence secretary) |- Andy Burnham confirmed as successor — secured 322 MP nominations, runs unopposed |- Burnham scheduled to become PM on 20 July 2026 |- Gaza position (10 July): Apologised but won't use word "genocide" or support full arms embargo. Appointed James Purnell (pro-Israel lobbyist) as chief of staff |- Connection to PA: Starmer personally proscribed Palestine Action in June 2025. Burnham's position on PA ban unclear but Purnell and signals suggest continuity. Home Secretary pick TBA |- Amnesty International UK noted Starmer's legacy of supporting Israel throughout its genocide in Gaza

• Sources: BBC (22 June), The Guardian (22 June), CNN (22 June), NYT (22 June), Democracy Now (22 June)

🇺🇸 US Action: Palestine Action Target Florida Home of Elbit Boss — 22 June 2026

• In the early hours of Friday 19 June, Palestine Action targeted the Florida home of Anne Bohan Donnelly, a senior executive of Elbit Systems (President & CEO of Elbit America's Maritime Division / Sparton Corp)
• Actionists vandalized the property, spray-painted messages, and disrupted the executive's home
• This marks a significant escalation — first major PA action targeting a private residence of an Elbit executive outside the UK
• Source: Palestine Action (22 June 2026)

🇮🇪 Ireland: Palestine Action Éire Target Synopsys in Blanchardstown — 12-19 May 2026

|- 3 actionists from Palestine Action Éire broke into Synopsys HQ in Blanchardstown, Dublin in early May |- Spray-painted offices and disrupted operations — Synopsys allegedly supplies software to Israeli defense forces via Elbit |- Group released a video statement: "Synopsys sends software labelled as 'software' from its Blanchardstown base to the IDF's largest arms supplier Elbit" |- Not proscribed in the Republic of Ireland — actions there do not carry terrorism charges |- Source: Palestine Action (May 2026)

🇮🇪 Ireland: Acra Control Targeted in Clonskeagh, Dublin — 19 May 2026

|- 4 actionists from Palestine Action Éire targeted Acra Control (subsidiary of US defence firm Curtiss-Wright) in Clonskeagh, Dublin at 2:30AM on Monday 18 May |- Filled air conditioning and ventilation equipment with expanding foam — essential for production environment. Damage may shut down operations for a period |- Acra Control manufactures data acquisition systems for missiles — The Ditch revealed shipments to Israeli Military Industries (owned by Elbit Systems) in Dec 2025 and 2024 |- Company received €750k+ in Irish government investment via Enterprise Ireland |- The 4th action by PAÉ against Acra Control (previously targeted Jun/Sept 2025, Feb 2026). Group promised to strike again if company doesn't publicly cut ties to Elbit |- Actionist statement: "The time for symbolic action is over, we allow this to continue with our collective inaction" |- Source: Palestine Action (19 May 2026)

🇮🇪 Ireland: Palestine Action Éire Target DSV Logistics in Cork — 12 May 2026

|- Direct actionists targeted logistics giant DSV at their warehouse in Little Island, Cork (3AM, Tuesday 5 May) — smashed windows and covered building in red paint |- DSV is one of only six shipment companies licenced to transport military equipment from British factories; ships Elbit cargo from Europe/Britain/Ireland to Ashdod, Israel weekly |- In Feb 2024, another shipment company transporting Elbit weapons was forced to cut ties following PA direct actions |- Actionist statement: "There are companies and sites in all our neighbourhoods that are supporting and trading with genocidal Elbit Systems" |- Source: Palestine Action (12 May 2026)

🇩🇪 Germany: DSV in Potsdam Targeted — 27 April 2026

|- Palestine Action Global targeted DSV Transport facilities in Potsdam, Germany |- DSV operates 3,000+ locations across 90+ countries; one of few companies licensed to transport military equipment from British factories to Israel |- Part of coordinated global campaign against DSV for its role in shipping Elbit Systems cargo |- Source: Palestine Action (27 April 2026)

🇮🇹 Italy: Palestine Action Italia Sabotage TS2 Engineering in Orvieto — 18 May 2026

• Palestine Action Italia targeted the offices of TS2 Engineering in Orvieto, Italy (early morning, 18 May)
• TS2 Engineering is an Elbit supplier — actionists sabotaged equipment and spray-painted the premises
• Part of the expanding international campaign against Elbit's supply chain
• Source: Palestine Action (25 May 2026)

🇩🇪 Germany: Trial of 'Ulm 5' Palestine Action Activists — 28 May 2026

• Five pro-Palestinian activists charged with belonging to a criminal organisation and causing ~€1m (£870,000) in property damage
• Known as the "Ulm 5" — part of Germany's crackdown on Palestine Action-affiliated direct action
• Source: BBC (28 May 2026)

Latest News

📰 One-Year Anniversary Escalation: 14 Arrested at New Scotland Yard — 5 July 2026

• SEE FULL ENTRY ABOVE under "### 📰 One-Year Anniversary Escalation" section
• 14 arrested including Rev. Sue Parfitt (84) under s12 Terrorism Act
• Defend Our Juries escalated tactics from s13 (sign-holding) to s11/s12 (membership/inviting support, up to 14 years)
• 3,400+ total arrests since proscription

📰 New Direct Action Groups Emerging From PA Ban — 26 June 2026

• The Electronic Intifada published an article by Asa Winstanley: "Palestine Action ban births new direct action groups"
• Reports on the emergence of "The Aftershock" and "June 26 Movement" — new groups forming in the wake of PA's proscription
• These groups are composed of former PA activists and supporters who continue direct action under new branding to avoid terrorism charges
• The June 26 Movement is named after the date of the first mass protest following the proscription
• Signals that the crackdown has not stopped the movement but caused it to fragment and adapt
• Source: Electronic Intifada (Asa Winstanley, 26 June 2026)

🎭 PSC 'My Name is Rachel Corrie' Fundraiser — 25-27 June 2026 (TONIGHT)

• Final night tonight (Saturday 27 June, 7PM) at Hen & Chickens Theatre, 109 St Paul's Road, London, N1 2NA
• PSC fundraiser featuring a performance of "My Name is Rachel Corrie" — the play about the American activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza in 2003
• Used to raise funds and awareness for the broader Palestine solidarity movement
• Part of the coordinated "Month of Action" throughout June 2026
• Source: PSC (25-27 June 2026)

🇮🇪 Ireland: Postcards for Palestine at Israeli Embassy — 27 June 2026

• IPSC (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign) holding a "Postcards for Palestine" action at the Israeli Embassy in Dublin today (Saturday 27 June)
• Assembling at the IPSC stall beside the GPO
• Part of ongoing solidarity actions in Ireland where PA is not proscribed
• Source: IPSC (27 June 2026)

🏛️ Leadership Transition Impact on PA Cases — 10 July 2026

|- With Keir Starmer's resignation (22 June) and Andy Burnham set to become PM on 20 July, the political context around PA has shifted |- Burnham's Gaza position (10 July): Apologised but won't call it genocide, won't support full arms embargo — signalled considering settlement goods ban only |- Chief of Staff: James Purnell (former Labour Friends of Israel chair, pro-arms lobbyist) appointed — signals continuity on Israel/Palestine policy |- 30 June: PSC Mass Lobby for Palestine at Parliament pushed MPs for sanctions on Israel — coverage limited |- 30 June: Chief Magistrate Judge Paul Goldspring reviewed ~700 paused s13 Terrorism Act cases — outcome not publicly reported |- 5 July: Escalation anniversary protests at New Scotland Yard (14 arrested under s12) |- 7 in 10 Labour members believe the PA ban was wrong (LabourList polling) |- Home Secretary pick TBA — will determine the future of the PA proscription

📅 Mass Lobby for Palestine — 30 June 2026 (DONE)

• Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a Mass Lobby of Parliament on Tuesday 30 June, 2-5:30PM
• Demands: MPs push for immediate sanctions on Israel
• Coverage limited — no major outcome publicly reported
• Follows the Delete Genocide Tech campaign launch (17 June)
• Source: PSC (30 June 2026)

🏭 PSC Protest at BAE Systems, Towcester — 24 June 2026

• Northamptonshire PSC branch held a protest at BAE Systems, Burcote Road, Towcester (11AM, 24 June)
• BAE Systems complicit in Israeli arms supply chain
• Source: PSC Events (24 June 2026)

🎓 PSC Webinar: 'Palestine, Health Work & Solidarity' — 24 June 2026

• PSC webinar featuring Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah (Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Gaza health worker)
• Topic: How health workers are being targeted for speaking out for Palestinian rights in the NHS
• Follows pattern of NHS staff facing disciplinary action for Palestine solidarity statements
• Joint event with Health Workers for a Free Palestine
• Source: PSC (24 June 2026)

📝 Alistair Mills: The Interpretation of Policy and the Proscription of Palestine Action — 23 June 2026

• Alistair Mills (UK Constitutional Law Association) published an analysis of the CoA ruling
• Focuses on the Home Secretary's interpretation of proscription policy and whether the criteria used were consistent with the statutory framework
• Notes the case will likely proceed to the Supreme Court and potentially the ECHR
• Source: UKCLA (23 June 2026)

📊 Updated Arrest Figures & Supreme Court Appeal Update — 22 June 2026

• Wikipedia updated total arrest figure: 3,187 individuals arrested between proscription (5 July 2025) and mid-June 2026
  • This includes 117 arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice on 15 June during the CoA ruling protest
  • Previous figure was 3,070 (through end of April 2026); the additional 117 are from the CoA ruling day
• Huda Ammori confirmed Palestine Action will seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights
• Amnesty International UK maintains its position that the ban is a "shameful chapter" and a "fundamentally disproportionate" use of counter-terrorism powers
• Palestine Action remains proscribed; supporting the group carries up to 14 years in prison
• Source: Wikipedia (Updated 22 June 2026).

📝 Geoffrey Robertson KC: 'You May Not Sympathise with the Elbit Four's Methods. But You Should Be Outraged by Their Treatment Under the Law' — 20 June 2026

• Geoffrey Robertson KC (renowned human rights lawyer) published a blistering Guardian comment condemning the Filton 4 sentencing
• Key arguments:
  • "The Elbit four will be labelled as 'terrorists' because they were convicted, in substance, of a quasi-terrorist offence that was never charged"
  • Argues the s69 "terrorist connection" tag bypasses the jury — the jury never convicted them of terrorism, but the judge applied it anyway
  • Warns this creates a dangerous precedent: "Henceforth, any activist who damages property in furtherance of a political cause risks being branded a terrorist"
  • Notes the UN commission of inquiry and ICJ provisional finding of genocide in Palestine — context the court ignored
  • Compares unfavourably to suffragette treatment: the suffragettes were never labelled terrorists despite bombing campaigns
• Source: The Guardian (Geoffrey Robertson, 20 June 2026)

📰 Verfassungsblog: 'The Judiciary Exits the Scene' — 18 June 2026

• Alan Greene, Daniella Lock, Colin Murray (constitutional law scholars) published a detailed analysis of the CoA ruling
• Argues the judgment "raises serious protest rights concerns" and gives "excessive deference" to the Home Secretary
• Notes the court acknowledged PA's actions but failed to engage with the legal context of Israel's genocide
• Highlights that the ruling casts protest as terrorism and terrorism as protest — blurring fundamental distinctions
• Points out the Lady Chief Justice's comparison to suffragettes was historically inaccurate (suffragettes conducted nationwide bombing/arson campaign)
• Source: Verfassungsblog (Greene, Lock, Murray, 18 June 2026)

📨 Guardian Reader Letters: 'Palestine Action Ban and the Right to Protest' — 19 June 2026

• The Guardian published reader responses to the CoA ruling
• Tony Booth (Cambridge): Argued the proscription decision went beyond Yvette Cooper — linked to Trump's pressure after the Turnberry golf course incident (March 2025). Noted parliament voted to ban PA alongside two violent racist groups (Maniacs Murder Cult, Russian Imperial Movement) with no known UK activity
• Louise Christian (London): Argued the judgment was "seriously flawed" — fails to consider whether Elbit's arms manufacturing for genocide could be unlawful, ignores UN/ICJ genocide findings, and shows "shocking ignorance of history" regarding suffragettes
• A third reader (charged under s13 Terrorism Act for holding a placard) argued the focus should be on the government's failure to prevent genocide
• Source: The Guardian (19 June 2026)

🌐 Jurist.org: 'UK Dispatch — Court of Appeal Upholds Ban on Palestine Action' — 19 June 2026

• Jurist.org published a dispatch covering the CoA ruling and its implications
• Notes the unprecedented scale of arrests (3,070+) and the chilling effect on legitimate protest
• Covers the Filton 4 sentencing as a related development
• Source: Jurist.org (19 June 2026)

📊 Wikipedia Final Update — 22 June 2026

• Wikipedia page updated to reflect:
  • 3,187 individuals arrested between proscription (5 July 2025) and mid-June 2026 (includes 117 arrested at CoA ruling protest on 15 June)
  • CoA ruling (15 June) upheld ban
  • Filton 4 sentenced to combined 24 years (12 June) — first "terrorism connection" sentencing for political protest
  • Huda Ammori will appeal to Supreme Court and ECHR
  • Total damage by PA estimated at £55+ million across all actions
• Source: Wikipedia (Updated 22 June 2026)

🇮🇪 Ireland: Ongoing Actions — June 2026

• IPSC (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign) continuing protests
• Monday 22 June: "Stop Funding Genocide" protest at Central Bank of Ireland / Deutsche Bank conference
• Saturday 20 June: Castlebar, Co. Mayo — Drop Allianz protest (4:30PM)
• Source: IPSC (June 2026)

📝 Previous Updates (Still Current) — 15-18 June 2026

||- Good Law Project published a personal essay by Nida Jafri (friend of two Filton 4 members) reflecting on the human cost of the crackdown ||- Details Fatema Rajwani and Charlotte Head's 21-month legal ordeal after being arrested in August 2024 ||- Notes how legal rulings prevented defendants from telling the jury why they targeted Elbit Systems, or naming the 20,000 children killed by the supply chain they disrupted ||- Describes 18 June sentencing as the first time protesters in Britain were sentenced as terrorists without ever being convicted of a terror offence ||- Calls the case a "terrifying legal shift" and asks: "What freedom are we truly left with?" ||- Source: Good Law Project (Nida Jafri, 18 June 2026)

🎙️ Pod Save The UK Features Liberty Director on PA Ruling — 18 June 2026

||- Pod Save The UK episode published 18 June covers the Court of Appeal ruling upholding the PA ban and the Filton 4 terror sentencing ||- Features Akiko Hart (Director of Liberty) to discuss the implications ||- Context: CoA ruling (15 June) and Filton 4 sentencing (12 June) both happened in the same week ||- Source: Pod Save The UK / Crooked Media (18 June 2026)

🟢 Green Party Statements on PA Proscription — 18-19 June 2026

||- Scottish Greens released a statement calling the CoA ruling a "devastating blow to free speech" ||- Green Peer Jenny Jones issued a statement condemning the proscription as an attack on protest rights ||- Sian Berry (former Green Party co-leader) made a statement for the party on the proscription ||- Greens for Palestine published internal emails, prompting a response from Jewish Greens ||- Sources: r/UKGreens (18-19 June 2026)

📊 Human Rights Research Analysis: CoA Ruling Raises Protest Rights Concerns — 18 June 2026

||- Human Rights Research published an analysis of the CoA ruling, arguing it raises "serious protest rights concerns" ||- Notes the ruling gives "excessive deference" to the Home Secretary on national security grounds ||- Highlights the unprecedented scale of arrests: 3,070+ individuals arrested since July 2025 for supporting PA ||- Source: Human Rights Research (18 June 2026)

|### 🇵🇸 Delete Genocide Tech Launch Held at Rich Mix, London — 17 June 2026 ||- Palestine Solidarity Campaign's "Delete Genocide Tech" campaign launched successfully at Rich Mix, London (6PM, 17 June 2026) ||- Tour ran 15-17 June across Liverpool, Cardiff, and London ||- Campaign calls on individuals, shops, restaurants, and businesses to stop buying Israeli products, focusing on tech companies complicit in genocide (Palantir, Oracle, Cisco) ||- Follows the legal/lobbying wing of the broader movement alongside Palestine Action's direct action ||- Sources: PSC (17 June), X / PSC (17 June)

📰 MEE Analysis: 'A Fantasy' — CoA Ruling Whitewashed History of Civil Disobedience — 17 June 2026

||- Middle East Eye (Katherine Hearst, 17 June) published a deep analysis arguing the Court of Appeal's comparison of PA to suffragettes is historically inaccurate ||- Quotes Emmeline Pankhurst from Why We Are Militant: "The only justification for violence, the only justification for damage to property... is the fact that you have tried all other available means and have failed to secure justice." ||- References Nelson Mandela's 1964 trial speech: "It would be unrealistic to continue preaching peace and non-violence... when all else had failed, when all channels of peaceful protest had been barred to us" ||- Notes the suffragettes conducted a nationwide bombing and arson campaign; the comparison to PA is "completely disingenuous" ||- Also references the R v Jones legal precedent on direct action ||- Source: Middle East Eye (Katherine Hearst, 17 June 2026)

🏛️ Parliament Debates PA Proscription — House of Commons & Lords — 17 June 2026

||- Stella Creasy (Labour MP for Walthamstow) tabled an Urgent Question in the House of Commons on "Proscription of Palestine Action and Public Protest" ||- Debate came the day after the CoA ruling upheld the ban ||- During National Security (State Threats) Bill debate, an MP noted: "We have seen maybe 3,000 people going through our courts simply for holding up a poster with regard to Palestine Action." ||- House of Lords also held a statement on the Proscription of Palestine Action during their session (17 June) ||- Sources: BBC iPlayer (17 June), Hansard (17 June)

🚔 Second Wave Protests: 70+ Arrested After CoA Ruling — 16 June 2026

||- More than 70 Palestine Action supporters arrested during a "second wave" of demonstrations outside the Royal Courts of Justice / Court of Appeal ||- Supporters continued to protest the CoA ruling the day after the verdict (15 June) ||- Met Police officers detained dozens for supporting a proscribed organisation (s13 Terrorism Act) ||- Coincides with the 117 arrested on verdict day (15 June), bringing two-day total to ~187+ arrests ||- Sources: TRT World (16 June), Middle East Eye / Facebook (16 June)

🗣️ Huda Ammori Vows to Overturn Ban — 16 June 2026

|- Huda Ammori (Palestine Action co-founder) gave a defiant interview to The Guardian the day after the CoA ruling |- Key quotes: | - "I'm certain that legally we are correct that this ban is disproportionate to free speech and the right to protest. I think that's really clear." | - "We just need to get to the right court that's going to recognise that and we'll take it all the way up to the European court of human rights, if needs be." | - "This case is completely political, and the way we are going to win this is on the streets. Everyone who sacrificed and stood up against this, all of that is bringing us closer and closer to the day when we are victorious." |- Responded to Lady Chief Justice's comparison of PA to suffragettes: "It just is completely inaccurate and quite crazy that they even felt like they needed to make that comparison" — noted the suffragettes conducted a nationwide bombing campaign and Emily Davison attacked a clergyman with a horse whip |- Said the Filton 4 sentencing seemed "orchestrated to ensure convictions and show people can be sentenced as terrorists to then justify the ban on Palestine Action" |- Urged supporters to take strength from the Palestinian people: "whenever there is repression, there is more resistance" |- Also confirmed 117 arrested outside RCJ (15 June) + 2 outside Old Bailey |- Source: The Guardian (Haroon Siddique, 16 June 2026)

👵 Arrested Protesters Devastated After CoA Ruling — 15 June 2026

|- The Guardian profiled several elderly protesters arrested under the Terrorism Act for supporting PA, now facing prosecution after CoA ruling |- Deborah Hinton OBE (82) — former magistrate from Truro, Cornwall. Charged for holding a placard. Described the judgment as "devastating and shocking". Said of potential prison: "I'm very upset, I'm very nervous, but I couldn't do anything else but do what I did. I didn't have a choice. We are heading towards an authoritarian state." |- Marianne Sorrell (81) — from Wells, Somerset. Held by police for almost 27 hours, officers forced entry and searched her house. Called the judgment a "travesty of justice". Said: "I'm thinking very seriously of getting arrested again for the same offence." |- Father John McGowan (75) — arrested at Parliament Square demonstration (9 Aug 2025). Said he was angry but at peace: "My judge is myself, my conscience. I'm prepared even to go to prison." |- 700+ people charged under Terrorism Act since proscription, cases paused pending CoA verdict will now proceed |- Many were holding placards saying "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" at Defend Our Juries demonstrations |- Source: The Guardian (Haroon Siddique, 15 June 2026)

🔗 Wikipedia Updated — 17 June 2026

|- Wikipedia updated the Palestine Action page with latest stats: | - 3,070 individuals arrested between proscription (5 July 2025) and end of April 2026 for showing support to PA | - Updated to reflect CoA ruling (15 June 2026): overturned High Court, found ban lawful | - Huda Ammori will appeal to Supreme Court and ECHR |- Source: Wikipedia (Updated 17 June 2026)

📊 Legal Analysis: Liberty & UK Human Rights Blog — 15-16 June 2026

|- Liberty published detailed breakdown of the CoA judgment: "Breaking down the Court of Appeal judgment on Palestine Action's proscription" |- UK Human Rights Blog (Dr. ?, 16 June): extended analysis arguing the CoA gave excessive deference to the Home Secretary on national security grounds |- Both organisations condemned the ruling as a dangerous precedent for protest rights |- Sources: Liberty (15 June), UK Human Rights Blog (16 June)

🌏 Amnesty International Australia — 17 June 2026

|- Published article linking UK Palestine Action sentences to Brisbane activist arrests, calling both examples of "ramped-up assaults on right to protest" |- Source: Amnesty Australia (17 June 2026)

💬 Reddit Roundup — 15-20 June 2026

Subreddit	Topic	Date
r/Palestine	UK: "Filton Four" jailed as terrorists (351 pts)	15 June
r/ukpolitics	Belfast grandmother legal challenge	26 June
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action terror ban to remain in place (177 pts, 200+ comments)	16 June
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action activists jailed over factory raid (247 pts, 432 comments)	16 June
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action worse than Suffragettes? (new discussion)	17 June
r/ukpolitics	Geoffrey Robertson on Elbit four sentencing (new)	20 June
r/ukpolitics	Banning Palestine Action was lawful (148 pts, 164 comments)	15 June
r/Palestine	UK Court of Appeal confirms PA ban (discussion)	15 June
r/LabourUK	Ban on PA was lawful (20 pts, 160 comments — lively debate)	15 June
r/worldnews	Ban on PA was lawful (100+ comments)	15 June
r/europes	Ban on PA was lawful	16 June
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action terror ban to remain in place after Home Office court win	15 June

⚖️ Court of Appeal UPHOLDS Proscription Ban — 15 June 2026 ⚡️ LANDMARK ⚡️

|- Court of Appeal (five-judge panel led by Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr) overturned the High Court's February ruling that the PA ban was unlawful |- Ruled the ban was "justified and proportionate" — Home Secretary had been "legally entitled" to proscribe PA |- Key quote from Baroness Carr: "It is a fundamental mistake to overlook the fact that Palestine Action overtly promotes unlawful violence amounting to terrorism. It is not — as claimed — a direct action civil disobedience protest group like the suffragettes, operating transparently in the open. It is a covert organisation which operates with secret cells to avoid the detection and prosecution of those using violence to destroy property and cause injury." |- Court said the High Court had "materially understated" the latitude the Home Secretary has in proscription decisions |- Found the government is "generally better placed than the courts" in deciding matters of national security |- Ruling also held the ban does not prevent "public expressions of support for the Palestinian cause or opposition to Israel" |- 117 people arrested outside Royal Courts of Justice by Met Police for supporting a proscribed organisation |- 2 more arrested by City of London police near the Old Bailey |- Since proscription: over 3,000 people arrested, 700+ charged under s13 Terrorism Act (faces max 6 months) |- Their cases had been paused awaiting this verdict |- Co-founder Huda Ammori will appeal to the Supreme Court and if needed the European Court of Human Rights |- NGO reactions: Liberty, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International UK, Greenpeace all condemned the ruling as a misuse of counter-terrorism powers |- Al Jazeera described it as revealing "exactly what these powers are for. They are not safeguards against violence, they are authoritarian tools for crushing dissent" (Anas Mustapha, CAGE) |- The full judgment (Ammori v SSHD) is available: Judiciary UK (15 June 2026) |- Sources: BBC (15 June), The Guardian (15 June), Al Jazeera (15 June), Novara Media (15 June), Reuters (15 June), MEE (15 June), Sky News (15 June), Amnesty International UK (15 June)|

⚖️ Filton 4 SENTENCED — 12 June 2026 ⚡️ HISTORIC ⚡️

• Charlotte Head (30), Samuel Corner (23), Leona Kamio (30), Fatema Rajwani (21) sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court
• Justice Jeremy Johnson applied the s69 'terrorist connection' tag — the first time in British legal history this has been applied to a non-terrorism-charged activist
• Sentences:
  • Samuel Corner — 7 years 8 months + 1 year licence (also convicted of GBH — fractured Sgt Kate Evans' spine with sledgehammer)
  • Charlotte Head — 5 years + 1 year licence
  • Leona Kamio — 5 years + 1 year licence
  • Fatema Rajwani — 4 years 8 months + 1 year licence
• All four subject to 15 years of terrorist notification requirements (register all devices, accounts, relationships, travel with police)
• Must serve at least ⅔ of sentence (vs 40% normally)
• £1.2m damage caused, including 41 military assets (£395k damage to 6 units of an unnamed drone system alone)
• Damage included Magni X drones, Thor drones, Legion X / Helios configurations — Israeli military UAVs
• 107 people arrested outside Woolwich Crown Court for supporting PA (Met Police confirmed)
• Judge found actions "designed to intimidate the UK government and a section of the public" and "for the purpose of advancing a political or ideological cause"
• Michael Mansfield KC had called potential sentencing 'a constitutional threat' before the hearing
• Defence barrister Rajiv Menon KC wept while speaking of Head's character, called the ruling "an invitation to chilling, creeping authoritarianism"
• Tom Wainwright KC (Corner's defence): "Redefining direct action protest as terrorism would be… crossing a rubicon. It would mean, potentially, the suffragettes were terrorists"
• Parole Board will assess risk before any release; they cannot qualify for early release provisions
• Was a retrial — initial trial in Feb 2026 acquitted them of aggravated burglary after 18 months on remand
• Jury never told a terrorism connection would be applied at sentencing |- Sources: BBC (Updated 13 June), The Guardian (12 June), MEE (12 June), Novara Media (12 June), The Independent (12 June)

📺 107 Arrested at Woolwich Protest — 12 June 2026

• 107 people arrested outside Woolwich Crown Court for supporting Palestine Action (a proscribed organisation)
• Supporters tried to block the prison van carrying the Filton 4 activists
• Met Police confirmed the final figure rose from an initial 72 to 107 by end of day
• Channel 4 News, Sky News and The Independent covered the scenes
• Sources: The Independent (12 June), BBC (Updated 13 June), Anadolu Agency (12 June)

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland: 'Right to Protest Genocide' Denied — 13 June 2026

• Al Jazeera long-read on the Scottish dimension of the PA proscription battle
• 103 reports of terrorism charges associated with PA in Scotland — more than half of all 193 terrorism charges lodged in Scotland since the Terrorism Act 2000
• 54 live prosecutions relating to PA in Scotland (per Catherine Smith KC, advocate general for Scotland)
• Defend Our Juries say 24 people face charges for holding signs reading "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action"; 16 more for wearing T-shirts
• Cathy Allen (70) — one of the first arrested in Scotland for supporting PA — and Justin Kenrick set to argue before Scotland's High Court that their arrests breach freedom of expression/assembly rights
• Source: Al Jazeera (13 June 2026)

📰 Court of Appeal Verdict Due 15 June — Al Jazeera Explainer — 14 June 2026

|- UPDATE: Verdict delivered 15 June 2026 — Court of Appeal upheld the ban as lawful (see separate entry above) |- The ban remains in place |- Over 3,000 people arrested for supporting PA since July 2025 |- Huda Ammori will appeal to the Supreme Court and if needed the ECHR |- Source: Al Jazeera (14 June 2026)

⚖️ Filton 4: Judge Refuses to Recuse — 9 June 2026

|- Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani applied to have Judge Jeremy Johnson removed from their case, accusing him of bias |- OUTCOME (9 June): Justice Johnson refused to recuse himself after a hearing at the Old Bailey |- He apologised for his handling of the contempt case against defence barrister Rajiv Menon KC, telling the court: "I was wrong to do that and I'm sorry about that, of course. I'm sorry it has meant this will now take longer than it would have done." |- But he rejected the defence's application, meaning he will proceed to sentence the four on 12 June 2026 as scheduled |- Allegations against Johnson: (a) treating desire to save Palestinian lives as an aggravating factor — only comparable case is Parsons Green bomber; (b) unlawfully trying to have Menon KC prosecuted for contempt (CoA overturned it); (c) keeping terror sentencing plan secret from jury and public; (d) barring defendants from mentioning Elbit/Gaza; (e) "vindictively" remanding three women to custody after retrial |- Defend Our Juries filed a formal complaint with the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office signed by over 3,000 people alleging a "pattern of exceptional, biased and discriminatory conduct" |- The Bar Council criticised Johnson's conduct as a "troubling episode" |- Contempt case against Menon returned to Johnson for a fresh decision |- Sentencing: 12 June 2026 at Woolwich Crown Court — DOJ planning mass civil disobedience outside court |- Sources: Novara Media (9 June), Yahoo / The National (8 June), Middle East Eye (5 June)|

🎭 100 Celebrities Urge Judge to Drop 'Terror Link' — 9 June 2026

|- Nearly 100 public figures signed an open letter urging Justice Johnson NOT to apply the "terrorism connection" tag (s69 Sentencing Act 2020) at sentencing on 12 June |- Signatories include: Steve Coogan, Miriam Margolyes, Zoe Wanamaker, Bella Ramsey, Zawe Ashton, Maxine Peake, Paapa Essiedu, Tobias Menzies, Brian Cox, Sally Rooney, Greta Thunberg, Charlotte Church, Kate Nash, Shirley Manson, Nadia Sawalha, Ardal O'Hanlon, Alexei Sayle, Yorgos Lanthimos, Terry Gilliam, Ken Loach, Brian Eno, John McDonnell MP, Lord John Hendy KC, Paul Gilroy, Avi Shlaim, Yanis Varoufakis, Mohammed El-Kurd, Marina Warner, Kamila Shamsie |- Letter key arguments: | - "To bypass the jury and sentence a group of protesters as terrorists would constitute an extremely grave miscarriage of justice" | - The only stated basis for the terror connection is that defendants were "attempting to influence the Israeli government by restricting their access to weapons" | - The activists were barred from explaining motivations to the jury but those "conscientious motives" may now be used against them | - Applying the tag could extend sentences, require rescinding moral beliefs for parole, and impose harsh post-release restrictions |- Sally Rooney: "Protest that poses no threat to the public simply is not terrorism... This is an obvious effort to undermine solidarity with Palestine, but what it really undermines is UK law." |- Charlotte Church: "The government failed in its duty to prevent genocide in Palestine. Now the courts are lashing out at young people who acted to try and stop it, when it's those making weapons for Israel that should be facing jail." |- Coverage: Artists for Palestine UK (full letter), Jewish News (9 June), The Jewish Chronicle (9 June), The National Scot (9 June), Yahoo News (9 June)|

📝 openDemocracy: Inside the Trial That Could Redefine Protest as Terrorism — 10 June 2026

• Long-read feature by Nandini Naira Archer published 2:57pm 10 June 2026
• Key details on the sentencing implications of a s69 "terrorist connection" finding:
  • Activists would serve their whole sentence in prison unless parole board approves release after completing at least 66% (vs 40% for non-terrorist prisoners)
  • After release: recorded as terrorists for life — must register any new device, bank account, telephone number, email address, vehicle, relationship, and overseas travel plans with police for the rest of their lives
  • Failing to comply or making mistakes in compliance could mean return to prison
• Quote from Filton Defence Campaign: "This is the first time that the terrorism link has been used on a criminal damage case, and the first time that protesters could be sentenced as terrorists in Britain"
• One of the prisoners described the pressure as overwhelming: "The stress is unbearable sometimes, the uncertainty is endless, and the burden of the fight is exhausting"
• Notes that the break-in happened before PA was proscribed (July 2025) but the judge ruled there appeared to be a "terrorist connection" ahead of trial — kept secret from the jury
• Source: openDemocracy (10 June 2026, 2:57pm)

🔒 Amnesty International Policy Paper — 9 June 2026

|- Amnesty International UK published "Criminal Damage, Direct Action, Terrorism: misuse of counter-terrorism powers in the UK" |- Strongly opposes applying s69 Sentencing Act 2020 "terrorist connection" finding to criminal damage committed during conscientious direct action |- Warns it would be "grossly disproportionate" with "stark implications for the future exercise of human rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression" |- Source: Amnesty International UK (9 June 2026, PDF download)|

🏛️ Allianz Civil Lawsuit Allowed to Proceed — 9 June 2026

|- Central London County Court (Judge Alan Johns) ruled that German insurance giant Allianz can pursue a civil lawsuit worth £289,604 against the "Allianz6" activists |- The activists (known as the Allianz6) conducted separate protests at Allianz's offices in Guildford and London (2024-2025), occupying offices and spraying water-soluble red paint |- Allianz claimed £79k in physical damage plus £200k in symbolic damages for "reputational damage and commercial embarrassment" — the activists called this a "protest licence fee" |- Judge rejected a request to delay the civil case until after criminal trials conclude |- Seren John-Wood (activist/defendant): said they targeted Allianz because they were an insurer for Elbit Systems |- Renee Eshel (activist/defendant): "Allianz ordering us to civil courts while our criminal cases are pending indicates they are using intimidatory fear tactics to bully us into submission" |- Source: Middle East Eye (Oscar Rickett, 9 June 2026)|

📰 Appeal Verdict Due 15 June — Proscription Ban (UPDATED 14 June)

||- The Court of Appeal heard the government's appeal against the High Court ruling that declared Palestine Action's proscription unlawful (28-30 April 2026) ||- Gov't lawyer Sir James Eadie KC told a rare five-judge panel PA was "not Hamas or the IRA" but argued overturning the ban would limit ministers' counter-terrorism powers ||- Between Aug 2024–June 2025: PA members involved in 158 direct action events against 48 different business premises; 28 occasions caused >£50k damage ||- Verdict: MONDAY 15 June 2026 at 11am — judgment live-streamed from the Court of Appeal ||- Ban remains in place pending outcome; over 3,000 people arrested for supporting PA since July 2025 ||- Context: Filton 4 were sentenced as terrorists on 12 June while the ban remains in place on appeal — the verdict will determine whether the proscription itself was lawful ||- Source: BBC (28 Apr 2026), X / finishedloading (confirmed live-stream 3 June 2026)

🎤 Massive Attack Frontman Arrested — 11 April 2026

• Robert Del Naja (3D) of Massive Attack was arrested at the Trafalgar Square "Everyone Day" protest
• Held a sign: "I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action"
• Among 523 people arrested that day (aged 18-87)
• Source: BBC News / The Guardian

🇩🇪 Ulm 5: Germany's 'Show Trial' — 9 June 2026

|- Novara Media published a detailed report calling the Ulm 5 trial a "show trial" staged at Stammheim high-security prison in Stuttgart |- Defendants: Daniel Tatlow-Devally, Crow Tricks, Leandra Rollo, Zo Hailu, Vi Kovarbasic (from UK, Germany, Spain, Ireland) |- Charged with trespassing, property damage, using symbols of a proscribed organisation, and belonging to a criminal organisation (s129 German Criminal Code) |- Controversial features: | - Trial held at Stammheim prison — best known for 1970s Red Army Faction (RAF) trials | - Defendants placed handcuffed behind bulletproof glass, far from their lawyers | - Defence argues this violates right to a fair trial and creates impression they are terrorists | - s129 allows extended pre-trial detention (held since Sept 2025, trial not expected to conclude until Jan 2027) | - Amnesty International Germany says s129 is being used to "blur the line between organised crime and legitimate exercise of freedom of assembly" |- Prosecution characterised slogans including "Child murderer" and "From the river to the sea" as "antisemitic messaging" |- Damage estimate: over €1m to the Elbit Systems office in Ulm |- Source: Novara Media (Clare Hymer, 9 June 2026)

📰 Journalists Banned from Reporting Key Trial Fact — 31 May 2026

• The National reports that journalists covering a Palestine Action trial were banned from reporting a key fact
• Details remain restricted due to court reporting restrictions
• Source: The National Scot (31 May 2026)

⚖️ Sentencing Fury — 31 May 2026

• The National Scot: "I never thought this was possible" — Fury ahead of Palestine Action raid sentencing
• Activists face sentencing with potential terrorist connection tag applied for first time in British legal history for non-terrorism-charged activists
• Filton 4 sentencing set for 12 June 2026
• Source: The National Scot (31 May 2026)

🇬🇧 Manchester Police Spying Scandal — 30 May 2026

• Exclusive: Manchester cafe owner Shams Sadiq claims Greater Manchester Police tried to recruit him as an informant on Palestine Action
• At Ashton-under-Lyne police station (15 May), officers from Operation Wildflower offered financial inducements and offered to turn a "blind eye" to certain offences in exchange for information
• Sadiq was also detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act at Manchester Airport (11 May) after returning from Morocco — questioned about Palestine Action, Iran, and his finances
• The same officers later met him at Starbucks to return devices, being "really nice, apologetic"
• Sadiq went public to ensure his safety; his neighbours stopped talking after his arrest
• Solicitor Simon Pook (Robert Lizar): "We're unhappy he was put in that position... Was the intention always to use schedule 7 to offer the inducement?"
• GMP declined to comment
• Also picked up by Middle East Eye, Arab News PK, Times of India (31 May)
• Sources: The Guardian (30 May), Middle East Eye (31 May)

🇬🇧 Shenstone UAV Engines Blockade — 1 June 2026

• Four activists from People Against Genocide blockaded both gates of the UAV Engines factory in Shenstone, Staffordshire
• The site is owned by Elbit Systems and manufactures drone engines for Israeli military
• Activists locked themselves onto the gates and to vehicles, halting access to the site
• At least two activists were arrested at the scene
• Separate from the Palestine Action direct action network but part of the same broader movement against Elbit's UK operations
• Source: Middle East Eye (1 June 2026), Morning Star, Novara Media

🇮🇹 Italy Action — 25 May 2026

• Palestine Action Global sabotaged an Elbit Systems supplier facility in Orvieto, Italy
• Targeted TS2 Engineering — known to have conducted at least 7 air shipments to Elbit between Dec 2023 and Aug 2025 (printed circuit boards + UHF power amplifiers)
• Actionists smashed windows, sprayed red paint on offices and electrical equipment
• Part of their expanding international operations
• Source: palestineaction.org

Two Activists Acquitted (GRiD Defence Systems) — 21 May 2026

• Audrey Corno (23, Southwark) and Jessica Stacey (24, no fixed abode) found not guilty of criminal damage at Aylesbury Crown Court
• Accused of damaging building fabric and security systems at GRiD Defence Systems, Wooburn Green, Bucks (16 Apr 2025)
• Thames Valley Police estimated damage at £100k
• The break-in happened before the group was proscribed (July 2025)
• Source: BBC News (27 May)

Umer Khalid Prison Conditions — 18 May 2026

• Umer Khalid (Brize Norton Five, muscular dystrophy) has been unable to leave his cell for 23 hours/day at HM Wormwood Scrubs
• Prison staff accused him of "making up" his muscle-wasting condition despite medical evidence
• Forced to crawl to the toilet "like a wounded dog"; went 20+ weeks without a shower chair
• No walking aids provided; wheelchair too big to fit through cell door
• Went on hunger strike in 2025; was hospitalised in Jan with organ failure after 17 days without food, 3 days without water
• Trial set for January 2027 — will have spent 18 months on remand (3× the 6-month standard limit)
• Source: Novara Media / Middle East Eye

🇩🇪 Ulm 5 Trial Coverage — 29 May-2 June 2026

• BBC published "Trial of 'Ulm 5' activists: How Germany is dealing with its Palestine Action case" by Bethany Bell
• Covers five activists (UK, Spain, Ireland, Germany) on trial at Stammheim high-security prison, Stuttgart
• Charged with belonging to a criminal organisation + destroying ~€1m of property at an Elbit Systems site
• Source: BBC News (29 May 2026)

🇸🇨 Scottish Challenge to Palestine Action Ban — 27-28 May 2026

• Judge pauses Scottish challenge to the Palestine Action ban in a blow to activists seeking to overturn proscription in Scotland
• The National reported: "Inside the room as UK Government tried to stall the Scottish Palestine Action review" — details of government attempts to delay/hinder the Scottish legal review
• Sources: The National Scot (27-28 May 2026)

🇬🇧 New Trial: Five Activists for Instro Precision Action — 2 June 2026

• Five Palestine Action members appeared at Canterbury Crown Court charged with criminal damage at Instro Precision (Elbit Systems subsidiary) on Discovery Park, Sandwich
• Action date: 9 September 2024 — targeted Instro Precision, which makes components for Elbit Systems
• Dressed in red boiler suits, they sprayed and daubed red paint on the main lobby, security booth, and pedestrian entrance. Chanted "Free Palestine", "Shut down Instro", "Stop Elbit"
• Damage originally estimated at £90k, now stated as ~£15k
• Defendants: Claire Garcia (28, New Cross), Christy North (38, Nottingham), Tea Southwell (23, Reading), Jay Smith (37, Tottenham, fka Janina Smith), Reverie Menniss (33, Canterbury)
• CCTV and police bodycam footage shown to jury. Defence arguments focus on political motivation and targeting of Elbit's role in supplying the IDF
• Source: Kent Online (2 June 2026)

|||### 🇬🇧 UK Developments (11 June) ||||- Filton 4 SENTENCED (12 June) — Justice Johnson applied s69 'terrorist connection' tag: Corner 7yr8mo, Head 5yr, Kamio 5yr, Rajwani 4yr8mo + terror notification requirements ||||- 107 arrested at Woolwich Crown Court protest — supporters tried to block the prison van ||||- openDemocracy long-read published detailing the sentencing implications (66% vs 40% of sentence, lifetime terror notification requirements — first ever use of terrorism link on criminal damage) ||||- Big Issue photo exhibition 'Rebellion!' opens at Newcastle City Library — features images of Palestine Action protests alongside climate, BLM, and anti-immigration protests ||||- Appeal verdict — 15 June 2026 — CoA UPHOLDS ban — judges ruled proscription was lawful (see Court of Appeal entry above) ||||- Sandwich 5 trial ongoing at Canterbury Crown Court ||||- Massive Attack frontman Robert Del Naja among 523 arrested at 'Everyone Day' protest (11 April 2026) — case ongoing|

🇬🇧 UK Developments (10 June)

||- Filton 4 recusal hearing — Justice Johnson refused to recuse himself after apologising for his contempt case handling; sentencing proceeds 12 June ||- Celebrity letter — ~100 public figures (Coogan, Rooney, Thunberg, Wanamaker, Cox) urge judge to drop terror connection tag ||- Amnesty International publishes policy paper opposing misuse of counter-terror laws against PA ||- Allianz civil lawsuit — court allows £289k lawsuit against Allianz6 to proceed before criminal trials ||- Appeal verdict — 15 June, 11am — live-streamed from Court of Appeal. TOMORROW ||- Sandwich 5 trial ongoing at Canterbury Crown Court ||- Massive Attack frontman Robert Del Naja among 523 arrested at 'Everyone Day' protest (11 April 2026) — case ongoing|

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Upcoming Events

|| Date | Event | Details | ||----------|-----------|-------------| |||| ✅ DONE (5 July 2026) | One-Year Anniversary Protest — New Scotland Yard | 14 arrested under s12 Terrorism Act including Rev. Sue Parfitt (84). Defend Our Juries escalated to s11/s12 charges (up to 14 years, jury trial). 3,400+ arrested since proscription | ||| ✅ DONE (10 July 2026) | Burnham Confirmed as Next PM by 20 July | Burnham secured 322 nominations, runs unopposed. Declared Labour leader 17 July, becomes PM 20 July. Apologised for Gaza policy but won't call it genocide. Chose James Purnell (pro-Israel lobbyist) as chief of staff. Home Secretary pick TBA — will determine PA proscription future. | || ❓ w/c 6 July 2026 | Scotland Human Rights Challenge | No outcome publicly reported as of 12 July — hearing may have taken place but uncovered by press | ||| ✅ DONE (30 June 2026) | Westminster Magistrates' Court Review | Chief Magistrate Judge Paul Goldspring reviewed ~700 paused s13 Terrorism Act cases. Outcome not yet publicly reported - cases may proceed administratively | ||| ✅ DONE (30 June 2026) | PSC Mass Lobby for Palestine | 2-5:30PM at Parliament. Pushing MPs for immediate sanctions on Israel. Coverage limited - no major outcome reported | | ✅ DONE (27-28 June 2026) | Armed Forces Day — Farnborough | National event in Aldershot & Farnborough. Quakers called for disruption. No major PA-linked confrontation reported | | ✅ DONE (15 June 2026) | Court of Appeal Verdict - Proscription Ban UPHELD | Court of Appeal upheld the ban as lawful. Overturned High Court Feb ruling. Huda Ammori to appeal to Supreme Court/ECHR. 117 arrested at RCJ. Ban remains in place | | ✅ DONE (15-17 June 2026) | Delete Genocide Tech Public Meeting Tour | Palestine Solidarity Campaign tour across UK venues | | Ongoing | Sandwich 5 Trial | Five activists on trial at Canterbury Crown Court for ~£15k damage at Instro Precision (Elbit sub.) on Discovery Park, Sandwich. Action: 9 Sept 2024 | | 23 Jul 2026 | PSC National Protest at Elbit Systems, Bristol | Assemble 11am at 38 Bolingbroke Way, Bristol BS34 6FE — next mass demonstration against Elbit's UK operations | | TBC | Ulm 5 Trial | Five activists charged with belonging to criminal organisation for Elbit action in Ulm, Germany. Trial at Stammheim prison, Stuttgart — described as "show trial" with defendants behind bulletproof glass. Not expected to conclude until Jan 2027 | | Jan 2027 (est.) | Brize Norton Five trial | Accused of spray-painting air force planes at RAF Brize Norton |

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Key Legal Cases

||### Filton 4 ||- Activists: Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona/Ellie Kamio, Fatema Rajwani ||- Charge: Criminal damage at Elbit Systems factory near Bristol (Aug 2024 — damaged Israeli military drones including Magni X and Thor systems) ||- OUTCOME (12 June 2026): All sentenced as terrorists — s69 'terrorist connection' tag applied for the first time in British legal history for non-terrorism-charged activists || - Corner: 7 yrs 8 mo + GBH (fractured police officer's spine) || - Head: 5 yrs || - Kamio: 5 yrs || - Rajwani: 4 yrs 8 mo || - All: +1 yr licence, 15 yrs terror notification, serve ≥⅔, parole board assessment ||- £1.2m damage including 41 military assets ||- Judge found a "terrorist connection" despite jury being kept in the dark about this possibility ||- Defence barristers called it "creeping authoritarianism" and "crossing a rubicon" ||- All four had spent 18 months on remand before initial acquittal on aggravated burglary (Feb 2026), then convicted at retrial (May 2026)

Sandwich 5 (Instro Precision)

• Five activists on trial at Canterbury Crown Court
• Action: 9 September 2024 — targeted Instro Precision (Elbit sub.) at Discovery Park, Sandwich
• Defendants: Claire Garcia (28, New Cross), Christy North (38, Nottingham), Tea Southwell (23, Reading), Jay Smith (37, Tottenham), Reverie Menniss (33, Canterbury)
• Charge: Criminal damage — red paint sprayed on buildings, banner drops, chants
• Damage: ~£15,000 (originally estimated £90k)
• Status: Trial ongoing (opened 2 June 2026)

Brize Norton Five

• Group accused of spray-painting air force planes
• Umer Khalid (muscular dystrophy): forced to crawl to toilet "like a wounded dog", 23-hour lockup, 20+ weeks without shower chair, prison staff accused him of faking his condition
• Trial set for January 2027 — could spend 18 months on remand before trial (3× standard limit)
• Khalid went on hunger strike in 2025, hospitalised with organ failure in Jan 2026

Ulm 5 (Germany)

• Five activists from UK, Spain, Ireland, and Germany on trial at Stammheim prison, Stuttgart
• Charged with belonging to a criminal organisation and destroying ~€1m property at Elbit Systems site in Ulm
• Controversial: activists argue political protest being treated as organised crime

Palestine Action Ban (RESOLVED)

• Government appealed High Court ruling (Feb 2026) that declared the ban unlawful
• Court of Appeal VERDICT (15 June 2026): Five-judge panel upheld the ban as lawful, overturning the High Court
• Co-founder Huda Ammori will appeal to the Supreme Court and if needed the European Court of Human Rights
• Ban remains in place; over 3,300 people arrested for supporting PA since July 2025
• 117 people arrested outside Royal Courts of Justice on the day of the verdict
• 1,200+ people charged under Terrorism Act — cases previously paused pending verdict are now proceeding
• 30 June 2026: Chief Magistrate to review ~700 paused s13 cases — outcomes will determine fate of hundreds arrested for holding placards

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Major Reports

"Britain's Political Prisoners" (23-26 May 2026)

Co-published by Centre for Climate Crime & Justice (QMUL) and Defend Our Juries.

• 249 protest-related cases analysed
• Contempt of court is the most common route to imprisonment
• 60% of cases had sentences shorter than pre-trial detention
• Some Palestine Action defendants held over a year on remand before trial
• Report alleges government came under pressure from Elbit Systems and Israeli government to crack down
• Coverage: Al Jazeera (26 May), The Guardian (23 May)

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Recent International Actions (Palestine Action Global)

Date	Location	Target
22 Jun 2026	Florida, USA	Elbit Systems exec home (Anne Bohan Donnelly) — vandalism, red paint
25 May 2026	Orvieto, Italy	Elbit Systems supplier (TS2 Engineering) — smashed windows, red paint
19 May 2026	Clonskeagh, Dublin, Ireland	Acra Control (Curtiss-Wright sub.) — ventilation/ac filled with expanding foam. Supplies missile components to Elbit
19 May 2026	Blanchardstown, Ireland	Software company
12 May 2026	Cork, Ireland	DSV Logistics site
27 Apr 2026	Potsdam, Germany	DSV Transport
30 Mar 2026	Multiple worldwide	DSV Transport facilities

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Yvette Cooper Controversy

• Home Secretary wrote about Palestine Action despite CPS warnings it could affect ongoing trials
• Novara: "Yvette Cooper went against prosecutors' advice by writing an op-ed justifying her ban on Palestine Action, risking the trial of six activists. The judge noted she was warned but 'went ahead anyway.'"
• Widely discussed on Reddit (r/ukpolitics, r/LabourUK)
• Dates: mid-late May 2026

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Reddit Discussion (Recent)

Subreddit	Topic	Date
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action terror ban to remain in place (204 pts, 223 comments)	15 June
r/ukpolitics	Banning Palestine Action was lawful (148 pts, 164 comments)	15 June
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action ban is lawful (77 pts)	15 June
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action worse than Suffragettes? (~100 comments)	17 June
r/ukpolitics	Geoffrey Robertson on Elbit four sentencing	20 June
r/Palestine	Filton Four jailed as terrorists (351 pts)	15 June
r/Palestine	100+ arrested outside Woolwich Crown Court	14 June
r/unitedkingdom	107 protesters arrested outside court hearing	12 June
r/unitedkingdom	Pro-Palestine activists sentenced as terrorists	12 June
r/ukpolitics	Palestine Action activists jailed over factory raid (247 pts, 432 comments)	12 June
r/ukpolitics	Free speech & proscription debate (PA case as example)	8 June
r/ukpolitics	Greens stand by councillor arrested at PA protest	8 June
r/ukpolitics	Allianz civil lawsuit discussion	9 June
r/LabourUK	Why Labour is losing voters — PA ban mentioned	9 June
r/law	Filton 4 potential terror sentencing (167 pts)	~22 May
r/bristol	Palestine Action activist "will never regret" Elbit raid (72 pts)	~16 May
r/ukpolitics	Yvette Cooper/CPS warnings	Mid May
r/GreenAndPleasant	General discussion	Ongoing
r/unitedkingdom	Manchester police spying scandal	30 May
r/ukpolitics	Manchester police recruitment of informants	30 May
r/ukpolitics	Filton 4 sentencing as terrorists (129 pts, 209 comments)	12 May
r/Palestine	People Against Genocide blockade UAV Engines in Shenstone, Staffs	~1 June 2026
r/Palestine	Open discussion thread (1 June 2026)	1 June
r/ukpolitics	High Court ban ruling discussion (401 comments)	Feb 2026
r/ukpolitics	Activists cleared (one acquitted over Elbit raid)	13-16 May

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Key Sources

|- Palestine Action official: palestineaction.org |- Guardian Palestine Action hub: theguardian.com/uk-news/palestine-action |- Novara Media: novaramedia.com |- openDemocracy: Inside the Palestine Action trial (10 June 2026) |- Big Issue: Rebellion! photo exhibition (11 June 2026) |- Al Jazeera: Report warns pro-Palestine protesters face legal crackdown |- Al Jazeera: What a UK court's backing of the Palestine Action terror ban means (15 June 2026) |- BBC: Palestine Action ban is lawful, Court of Appeal rules (15 June 2026)

• BBC: Palestine Action activist will never regret Elbit raid
• BBC: 500+ arrests at Palestine Action protest
• BBC: Two women found not guilty of criminal damage (GRiD)
• BBC: Government defends Palestine Action ban (28 Apr 2026)
• Middle East Eye: Legal experts accuse Palestine Action judge of bias (5 June)
• Middle East Eye: UK court allows Allianz to sue pro-Palestine activists (9 June 2026)
• Artists for Palestine UK: Open letter against terror sentencing (9 June 2026)
• The National Scot: Palestine Action coverage
• Middle East Eye: Palestine Action coverage
• Amnesty International UK: Criminal Damage, Direct Action, Terrorism policy paper (9 June 2026)
• Declassified UK: Palestine Action lawyer faces renewed contempt proceedings (23 June 2026)
• Amnesty International UK: Urgent Action: Drop the charges against the UK's peaceful protesters (updated June 2026)
• Electronic Intifada: Palestine Action ban births new direct action groups (26 June 2026) ||- Joshua Rozenberg: Contempt case can continue (22 June 2026) ||- Middle East Eye: Palestine Action case reveals the limits of terrorism discourse (Amina Shareef, 1 July 2026) ||- Novara Media: Britain's Year of Arresting Pensioners As Terrorists Has Taken a Hatchet to Our Civil Liberties (Charlotte England, 6 July 2026)