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The letter calls for urgent government action, including recognition of the State of Palestine, sanctions on Israel, suspension of the UK-Israel trade agreement, an end to military exports, and cessation of military and intelligence collaboration with Israel. It also demands a ban on Israeli imports, legal accountability for UK citizens serving in the Israeli military, and summoning Israel’s ambassador for her support of military actions. The signatories, including human rights lawyer Geoffrey Bindman, filmmaker Mike Leigh, author Michael Rosen, and Jewish Voice for Labour chairperson Jenny Manson, emphasized that opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank is not anti-Semitic and should not be criminalized.
Manson stated, “We are Jews horrified by the genocide being carried out by Israel against the Palestinian people. For us, ‘Never again’ applies to all, not just crimes against Jews.”
Speakers at the rally included Andrew Feinstein, a former South African MP and son of a Holocaust survivor, historian Joseph Finlay, documentary filmmaker Gillian Mosely, and comedian Alexei Sayle. The protest follows months of weekly demonstrations across the UK against Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 2023.
The Metropolitan Police Service warned that expressing support for Palestine Action could lead to arrests under the Terrorism Act 2000. Despite this, the rights group Defend Our Juries confirmed that over 500 people plan to risk arrest at a related demonstration on Saturday, holding placards stating, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” The group rejected claims that the protest aims to overwhelm law enforcement, with a spokesperson saying, “If we are allowed to protest peacefully, it’s no bother to anyone.” Last month, over 200 people were arrested for displaying similar messages.
The ban on Palestine Action, enacted in July, followed the group’s claimed responsibility for damaging two Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton air force base, causing an estimated £7 million ($9.3 million) in damage. Last week, the High Court allowed a legal challenge by Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to proceed, citing “reasonably arguable” grounds, though it declined to pause the ban pending a November hearing. If upheld, the proscription could lead to up to 14 years in prison for membership or support of the group.
The letter and protests underscore growing tensions over the UK’s stance on Israel and Palestine, with demonstrators urging the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action.
