Additional GGEC Statement on Palestine Action

This statement sets out SACC's position on the date the statement was issued (1 July 2025) - see the update at the end of statement.

GGEC (Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee), to which SACC is affiliated, has issued a further statement on the UK Government's proposed ban on Palestine Action. SACC dissents from this statement. We endorse the first paragraph of the statement but we do not endorse the second paragraph. Our position is set out below the GGEC statement.

GGEC Statement

GGEC declares its support for the actions of Palestine Action and condemns in the strongest terms the UK Government's sinister proposal to declare a non-violent direct action organisation such as Palestine Action to be terrorists in the same category as neo-Nazis.

We warn that in the event of UK government proposals being adopted, a statement such as this will become a crime with a possible 14-year jail sentence.

SACC Position

In the event of UK government proposals being adopted, anyone making a statement such as this would risk prosecution with a possible 14-year jail sentence if convicted. However, we do not think that such a statement would necessarily, in all circumstances, be an offence. In any case, and very importantly, we think it inappropriate to pre-judge the outcome of any case that might arise should someone make a statement such as the one above.

Also see: SACC Statement on the proposed ban on Palestine Action (26 June 2025)

Note: Nothing on this page should be interpreted as legal advice. We strongly advise anyone doubtful about the lawfulness of any statement they contemplate making to obtain the advice of a lawyer.

Update 4 July 2025. This statement sets out SACC's position on the date the statement was issued (1 July 2025). Palestine Action was subsequently   banned in the UK, with effect from midnight 4 July. SACC remains strongly opposed to the ban and to the powers of proscription set out in the Terrorism Act 2000. We continue to believe that non-violent direct action is a justifiable response to grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law such as those currently being enacted by Israel. Beyond this, nothing may be inferred from anything on this page about SACC's current views on the organisation Palestine Action.