Support for Palestine Action could carry 14-year prison sentence
The UK's Terrorism Act distinguishes between calls for support and displaying a symbol.
In the United Kingdom, inviting or expressing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action can be punished with up to 14 years in prison. Public symbols or clothing constitute a different offence carrying a lower maximum sentence.
Palestine Action has been on the UK's list of proscribed organisations since 5 July 2025. It is therefore a criminal offence to belong to the group or invite others to support it. The British government says the organisation has been involved in campaigns in which property was seriously damaged and that, in its view, those actions crossed the line into terrorism.
The law makes a legal distinction between different forms of support. Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 covers, among other things, inviting support, expressing support in circumstances in which someone may recklessly encourage others, and organising meetings. Following conviction on indictment, the maximum sentence can be 14 years; in a summary procedure, the maximum is six months.
Section 13 concerns wearing or displaying articles in a public place in a manner that reasonably gives the impression that someone is a member or supporter. For that offence, the maximum sentence on summary conviction is six months. A protest sign or slogan therefore does not automatically attract the same sentence as organising a meeting or actively calling for support.
British government statistics record 3,061 arrests for terrorism-related activity in the year to March 2026. Of these, 2,819 were linked to suspicion of supporting Palestine Action. At the time of measurement, 484 people from the latter group had been charged; 456 cases were still awaiting prosecution.
The figures are not convictions. The government warns that an arrest may initially be recorded as terrorism-related even if a different offence remains later or no prosecution follows. Prosecutors may also still make decisions about cases included in the statistics.
The lawfulness of the proscription remains the subject of legal proceedings. In June 2026, the Court of Appeal ruled that the minister had the power to proscribe Palestine Action. The UK Supreme Court has allowed a limited appeal on whether the minister followed her own published policy; the hearing is scheduled for November.
The government defends the measure as protecting national security and companies that, in its view, were targeted by serious acts of vandalism. Human rights organisations and critics fear that the broad criminalisation will deter peaceful expression and protest. What exactly constitutes a criminal offence therefore depends on the specific conduct, the context and the provision of law applied.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Palestine Action has been proscribed in the United Kingdom since July 2025.
- The Terrorism Act distinguishes between membership, inviting or expressing support, and displaying symbols.
- The maximum sentence for some support and organising offences is 14 years; certain public symbols carry a lower maximum.
- The proscription is still being legally challenged.
Left
Arguments A terrorist proscription must not be used to criminalise peaceful political opposition, solidarity with Palestinians or criticism of the British government. Vandalism can be prosecuted without placing an entire movement under terrorism legislation.
Values Freedom of expression, civil rights, proportionality and protection of protest.
Consequences Broad legislation can deter demonstrators, journalists and civil society organisations and damage trust in the rule of law.
Centre
Arguments The state may act against serious vandalism and intimidation, but for every prosecution it must show precisely what conduct was criminal. Judicial review and clear guidelines are essential.
Values National security, legal certainty, proportionality and institutional oversight.
Consequences Precise application can tackle serious actions without treating all expressions of support alike, but it places substantial demands on the police, prosecution and courts.
Right
Arguments Groups that deliberately attack property to force political change must not benefit from an appeal to freedom of protest. The government must protect businesses, defence infrastructure and public order.
Values Security, protection of property, the authority of the law and deterrence.
Consequences Severe sentences may prevent further actions, but applying terrorism legislation too broadly can also unintentionally strengthen radicalisation and distrust.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The maximum sentences and the distinction between the relevant statutory provisions were checked directly against the current legislation. The arrest figures and the status of the legal proceedings come from British government and court sources.
- confirmed Palestine Action has been on the UK's list of proscribed organisations since 5 July 2025. — This is stated on the current GOV.UK page on proscribed organisations. source
- confirmed Section 12 can carry a maximum sentence of 14 years following conviction on indictment. — The current text of the Terrorism Act specifies this maximum for inviting or expressing support. source
- confirmed An offence under Section 13 carries a maximum prison sentence of six months on summary conviction. — This is stated in the guidance accompanying the current British legislation. source
- confirmed In the year to March 2026, 2,819 of 3,061 terrorism-related arrests were linked to support for Palestine Action. — GOV.UK published these figures with a reference date of 31 March 2026. source
- confirmed The Supreme Court will hear a limited appeal concerning the proscription in November. — The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service records the limited permission to appeal and the scheduled hearing. source
Editor's note
The maximum sentence of 14 years does not apply to every form of support or every protest. The text distinguishes between the relevant statutory provisions and notes that arrest figures are not convictions.Sources
- Terrorism Act 2000, sections 11–13 — legislation.gov.uk
- Case: P1017-25 — Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
- Operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 to March 2026 — GOV.UK
- Proscribed terrorist groups or organisations — GOV.UK
- CPS announces further prosecutions of Palestine Action supporters — Crown Prosecution Service
More on this in Dutch media
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