Support constituents who face criminal charges relating to a proscribed organisation
*** Disclaimer - This letter is calling for the de-proscription of Palestine Action, and for support for those affected by the proscription, both of which are legal. The signatories of this letter do not intend to show or invite support for the group, which is illegal under the Terrorism Act 2000 ***
Dear Steve Reed MP,
We, the undersigned constituents of Streatham and North Croydon, are writing to express
our deep concern over the recent proscription of Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act.
This decision has alarming implications for civil liberties, the right to protest, and the ability
of ordinary people to hold power to account and oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The work of Palestine Action — focused on ending UK complicity in the trade and
manufacture of weapons used in the oppression of the Palestinian people — has been
part of a long and proud tradition of direct action for justice. To label such activity as
“terrorism” represents a dangerous escalation in the criminalisation of protest and dissent.
The Terrorism Act currently allows for property damage with a political aim to be classed
as terrorism and urgently needs to be reformed.
Since the proscription of Palestine Action in July 2025, over 2,000 people have been
arrested in Lift the Ban actions for merely holding signs. This figure includes a number of
constituents of Streatham and North Croydon.
We therefore call on you, as our elected representative, to:
• Meet with affected constituents — including families, community members, and
legal representatives — to hear directly how this proscription is impacting lives and the
right to protest in our community.
• Provide assistance and advocacy for any constituents who have been arrested,
questioned, or otherwise targeted under the Terrorism Act for alleged support of Palestine
Action or for expressing solidarity with its aims.
• Support the de-proscription of Palestine Action and publicly back the Lift the
Ban campaign, organised by Defend Our Juries and supported by civil liberties advocates
across the UK.
We are deeply troubled by the chilling effect this proscription is having on political
expression, especially for those who stand in solidarity with Palestine. It risks setting a
precedent where legitimate activism and public conscience are met not with dialogue, but
with repression.
We urge you to stand on the side of justice, free expression, and human rights — and to
ensure that your constituents’ voices are not silenced by the misuse of counterterrorism
powers.
We hope you will arrange the requested meeting with affected constituents as soon as
possible, and we look forward to your response including details of when such a meeting
will be scheduled.
Yours sincerely,
The undersigned constituents of Streatham and North Croydon
