In a significant development, UK Secretary of State Yvette Cooper announced on Monday that the government plans to classify the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This decision follows a recent incident where members of the group allegedly inflicted damage on military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.

The proposed proscription, set to be presented to Parliament on June 30th, will make membership in Palestine Action, funding the group, or expressing support for it criminal offenses under the Terrorism Act 2000. The legislation also includes prohibitions on publishing images or wearing symbols associated with the group, and it permits the seizure of the group’s assets.

Under Section 1 (b) of the Terrorism Act 2000, terrorism includes actions that cause serious damage to property. A group can be added to the list of terrorist organizations if it engages in or glorifies acts of terrorism, as stipulated in Section 3 of the Act.

Secretary Cooper justified the classification by citing the group’s history of damaging property to advance its political objectives and influence the government. She referred to the group's actions as "violent crimes."

Palestine Action has defended their tactics as direct interventions to address the root of the problem they are protesting against, namely the UK's military support for Israel. The group claims that their recent actions at RAF Brize Norton were in protest against the British military’s alleged role in supporting what they describe as Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

The incident involved two individuals associated with Palestine Action breaking into the airbase, where they reportedly spray-painted and used crowbars to damage two cargo jets. The group argues that these jets were involved in transporting military supplies to Israel and supporting operations in Gaza.

Other activist organizations, such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, have argued against the government's portrayal of Palestine Action, emphasizing that the group engages in non-violent direct action.

The police are currently investigating the incident at RAF Brize Norton, and the identities of the individuals involved have not been disclosed.

This move by the UK government marks a significant escalation in its response to domestic activism related to international conflicts, highlighting the complex intersection of national security, freedom of expression, and political activism.