Scotland’s leading peace activists have condemned the UK Government’s move to designate Palestine Action a terrorist group, calling the decision repressive, dangerous and an affront to international law.
In a strongly worded statement, Trident Ploughshares a long-standing campaign against nuclear weapons and militarism said it stands fully with Palestine Action, describing the government’s proposed proscription as “yet another undermining of the legal fabric that exists to prevent genocide, protect civilians and safeguard the environment”.
“We are all Palestine Action,” the statement begins.
Their support echoes that of Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), who said the UK’s plan represents a “shameful” effort to protect arms dealers and silence dissent.
CAAT described the move as a deliberate distraction, aimed at punishing those who take non-violent direct action against what they see as genocide profiteers.
“There is a long and proud history in the peace movement of direct action at military bases and arms factories,” they said.
“From Greenham and Fairford to Aldermaston and beyond, these acts of protest have often involved breaching security and damaging equipment, but they are not terrorism.
“They are moral resistance to illegal wars.”
Palestine Action is a grassroots network that uses direct action to shut down weapons manufacturers supplying arms to Israel.
Their campaign has focused on Elbit Systems, a major Israeli arms company with multiple UK sites, which activists accuse of producing parts used in airstrikes on Gaza.
Trident Ploughshares said that many of its members have themselves taken direct action including damage to property connected to nuclear weapons and then stood in court to defend those actions under international humanitarian law.
They argue that acts of conscience taken to prevent mass suffering and uphold human rights should not be criminalised, but protected.
CAAT added that when governments fail to act lawfully, ordinary people have a duty to respond.
“The British government is aiding and abetting Israel’s genocide,” their statement reads.
“Instead of imposing an arms embargo, it is increasing arms sales.
“Labelling those who try to stop this as terrorists is not just dishonest.
“It is immoral.”
They cited figures showing that in the final three months of 2024 alone, the UK licensed £127 million worth of arms exports to Israel, more than in the three previous years combined.
Supporters of Palestine Action say the government’s attempts to ban the group will not work.
Recent legal attempts to associate activists with terrorism have failed to deter action.
Campaigners say solidarity is stronger than fear and growing.
“This is the moment for courage,” CAAT said.
“Trying to divide us won’t work.
“We stand together.”
