Singer Charlotte Church, veteran peace campaigners, and hundreds of others have signed an open letter opposing the ban on Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. The group uses direct action to target Israeli weapons factories in the UK and their supply chain.
The ban, which was voted through by parliament last month, makes it a criminal offence to be a member of or show support for the group. However, many critics argue that this law is being misused to silence dissenting voices.
The open letter states that peaceful protest tactics, including direct action, have a long history and are essential in calling attention to human rights abuses. The signatories include trade unionists, activists, politicians, and environmental campaigners like Angie Zelter, who has experience with disrupting arms deals.
Elected representatives such as James Dornan, Gerry Carroll, and Leanne Wood have also signed the letter. They argue that the ban is an attack on civil liberties and that people should not be branded as “terrorists” for exercising their right to protest.
The letter aims to raise awareness about the human rights situation in Palestine and to stop arms going to Israel. The signatories are urging MPs to reconsider their stance and to recognize the importance of peaceful protest in promoting social change.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/13/charlotte-church-joins-unions-and-campaigners-in-opposing-ban-on-palestine-action