Undercover with Palestine Action: ‘Damage as much as possible'
It was only 24 hours after the home secretary had announced that Palestine Action will be proscribed as a terror group when its latest training course got under way on Zoom.
The host, dressed with a keffiyeh wrapped around her face, told the group of a dozen new members and an undercover Times reporter that this was a 'critical moment in every sense' as she opened a 'crash course on direct action'.
She admitted that she and her Palestine Action 'comrades' were 'all flummoxed at the moment' and 'things are a little intense' following the government's decision to add them to a list of terrorists alongside Al-Qaeda and Isis.
• Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police in London — as it happened
But the woman, who did not give her name for 'security reasons' and only showed her face after each attendee introduced themselves and agreed to show themselves on camera, said Palestine Action's sustained action of vandalism and criminal damage against companies 'complicit' in Israel's war crimes will be 'continuing as normal'.
And then began a two-and-a-half-hour webinar talking through the new members how they could take part in direct action themselves.
The session, a daily webinar it hosts as part of a recruitment drive ahead of the group formally being proscribed as a terror group next week, revealed a secretive organisation paranoid about the threat of undercover police, where information given to those taking direct action is on a 'need to know basis' — one of the ten commitments all members must sign up to.
Guidance says what activists should do during and after arrest, then through their trial and how to recruit fellow prisoners if they are thrown in jail. A list of the different criminal offences they could expect to be charged with was shown on screen along with their maximum sentences. They ranged from crimes such as locking-on offences, aggravated trespass and obstruction of a highway to the 'high-level' offences such as criminal damage over £5,000 or non-domestic burglary.
• Cost of damage by Palestine Action could hit £55m
The more serious offences were lauded by the Palestine Action host, making clear that activists are encouraged to cause maximum damage. 'We hope you'll be causing damage of over £5,000,' the host told the group.
But she urged attendees not to be put off by the threat of the maximum sentences they could face from the offences, which carry up to ten years in prison.
Serious charges were often diluted or dropped altogether by police and prosecutors, she said. Palestine activists tend to get off lightly at sentencing, she claimed as she ran through a series of recent cases in which her 'comrades' had avoided lengthy sentences or been acquitted by the jury altogether.
'We're seeing people not get charged with the things that they should get charged with,' she said. Jury trials offered the best chance to avoid punishment, the host said, because 'the public is on our side'.
'Remember that being acquitted can happen and we're seeing it happen now. If you get a jury that decide, 'OK, smashing up a rooftop was a fair response to a genocide', then you may well be acquitted by that jury.'
The host said her 'favourite case of all time' was the 'absolute legend' who walked into the aerospace company Arconic's factory in Birmingham, causing £500,000 of damage on his own, and was acquitted at trial.
• Palestine Action group shows no signs of slowing down
Other Palestine Action activists lauded during the session who escaped punishment were the 'Leicester two', who were charged with criminal damage of over £5,000 and faced a maximum sentence of ten years in jail after their protest at an Elbit Systems factory in Leicester shut it down for six days. Both were acquitted at trial.
Those who are sent to jail are referred to as 'political prisoners' by Palestine Action and there are currently 19 of the group's activists in jail.
'The resistance goes further than just the action,' the Zoom attendees were told. 'The resistance continues right the way through to the trial. If you end up in prison, on remand, you can take the resistance into prisons.'
Activists on the course were told how Palestine Action criminals continued their resistance in prisons, recruited fellow prisoners and were hailed as heroes. The host quoted one Palestine Action activist who declared: 'I am bringing the intifada into the prison.'
'We've seen prisoners being released from prisons and you've heard the entire inside of the prison shouting, 'Free Palestine!'' the host claimed.
One of those hailed as 'heroic' for spending time inside was Francesca Nadin, who describes herself as a former 'political prisoner' and spoke at the Glastonbury Festival in the Greenpeace area on Thursday. She said that 'everyone who goes to prison becomes more radicalised' and going to prison was 'not the end of the world'.
Those on the course were asked to share their 'barriers' to taking direct action and were told that 'comrades' would contact them on Signal after the session to help them overcome their concerns.
A couple expressed concerns about being sent to prison and the impact it would have on their lives, their health and mental wellbeing. An American said she feared how it would impact her ability to extend her visa in the UK.
Another said they feared having a criminal record as it would show up in DBS checks, to which the host explained how she had feared the same when she first took part in direct action. She said it was a 'really valid' concern and something that was raised constantly by potential recruits.
• Palestine Action leader ordered to attend court on terrorism charge
But she claimed it had helped, not hindered, her career working with vulnerable people. 'I've always been lucky enough that I've worked for private people or companies or clients or whatever and as soon as I've told them why it is that I've got a conviction, they're like, 'Please come work for us more'. So it's different for everybody's circumstances.'
A large chunk of the course focused on legal advice, albeit unofficial, and guidance on how to behave during and post-arrest. A slide setting out guidance advised members to 'never talk to police' before outlining the items to take and those to avoid taking during direct action.
Among the few items activists were told to take: a book. 'It's crazy what books they allow in,' the host said. She told of how one had taken in a book titled How to Blow Up a Pipeline, a book advocating direct action, which argues that climate activists should abandon their longstanding commitment to absolute non-violence.
It was made clear that Palestine Action would not be able to cover legal fees, nor be able to offer formal legal advice. But the group offers a lot of advice on how to exploit the use of legal aid. Those who do not qualify are urged to either self-defend or crowdfund, which Palestine Action helps publicise through its social media accounts. The host claimed that almost all crowdfunding campaigns raise the necessary funds to cover the legal defence.
Members were told throughout to remember Palestine Action's fundamental belief that 'we are literally the people that are upholding international law'.
'We all know that. We're not guilty and that's why we plead not guilty. We're not the guilty ones.'
What Palestine Action does offer is a comprehensive support network. A 'station support' team is dispatched to greet activists when they are released from police custody with instructions on how to get their personal items back and help with getting them back home.
The support continues throughout any court trial, Palestine Action supporters attending court hearings and trials.
'You'll have people that come and wave a flag and show support and knit you little Palestine flag hearts and stuff like that,' the host said. 'It's a really beautiful community of people that really support Palestine Action and show up day after day after day to support people that do direct action. It's a real family.'
• Watch: Palestine Action saboteurs storm Israeli arms giant's UK site
These supporters act voluntarily and nobody is paid, Palestine Action said. The group accepts donations on its website and has an online shop but insists that all legal costs are covered through crowdfunding campaigns.
A crowdfunding campaign launched to fight the government's plans to proscribe the group as a terrorist organisation has raised £150,000 within four days.
In response to Yvette Cooper's announcement, Palestine Action this week said her statement had made 'a series of categorically false claims'. It added: 'This is an unhinged reaction to an action spraying paint in protest at the UK government arming Israel's slaughter of the Palestinian people. We are teachers, nurses, students and parents who take part in actions disrupting the private companies who are arming Israel's genocide, by spray-painting or entering their factory premises. It is plainly preposterous to rank us with terrorist groups like Isis, National Action and Boko Haram.'
This week, Areeba Hamid, Greenpeace UK's co-executive director, said the move to proscribe Palestine Action 'would be a grave mistake'.
Following its break-in at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire last Friday, which was swiftly followed by the home secretary's proscription announcement, the group has identified three further RAF bases suitable for action: RAF Barkston Heath and RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire and RAF Valley in North Wales, the Telegraph reported.
As the webinar drew to a close, after nearly two and a half hours, the host claimed that the government's move to proscribe Palestine Action had sent membership soaring.
'I especially want to thank you all for coming to this group tonight, because I know that this potential threat of proscription is probably going to put a lot of people off,' she said. 'But we've actually seen support go through the roof and I think that you guys are extra, extra-legends for coming along tonight and basically putting your finger up against the government who are trying to silence us.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
23 minutes ago
- The Independent
Post-Brexit food labelling branded ‘bureaucratic madness' by M&S boss
Marks and Spencer 's chief executive has lambasted a key aspect of the Windsor Framework's final phase as "bureaucratic madness," as over 1,000 products destined for Northern Ireland will soon require "Not for EU" labelling. Stuart Machin revealed the significant operational challenge, describing the new requirement as "yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for retailers." From next week, a substantial portion of M&S's product range for Northern Ireland will need these specific labels affixed. The "Not for EU" labels have been progressively introduced since the post-Brexit trading deal, known as the Windsor Framework, was agreed in 2023. This framework was negotiated between the UK and the European Union to resolve complexities arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol, which effectively maintains Northern Ireland within the EU's trade orbit. The stringent labelling rules are designed to prevent goods intended for the UK market from inadvertently entering the EU single market via the Republic of Ireland. Despite the current friction, the UK Government recently indicated its expectation for a more streamlined flow of trade once its new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU is finalised. Mr Machin indicated he was hopeful that the stickers may become unnecessary following the new deal. He took to social media on Friday to express his frustration. 'Next week sees the final phase of the Windsor Framework come into effect, adding yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for food retailers like M&S. – 1000+ M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a 'Not For EU' label stuck on them,' he posted on the social media platform X. 'Another 400 will need to go through additional checks in the 'Red Lane'. 'Quite frankly it's bureaucratic madness, confusing for customers, and completely unnecessary given the UK has some of the highest food standards in the world. 'The Government's SPS deal with the EU will be game-changing, and it can't come soon enough!'
The Independent
23 minutes ago
- The Independent
Charities warn PM's major backdown over welfare cuts not enough
The government offered concessions on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill to avoid a major Commons defeat, following significant opposition from Labour backbenchers. The compromises include protecting Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for all existing claimants and delaying changes to PIP eligibility for new claimants until November 2026. Despite these concessions, numerous charities and campaign groups, including Amnesty International and the Disability Benefits Consortium, continue to oppose the bill, arguing it will entrench poverty and create a two-tier benefits system. Critics warn that the revised bill remains 'fatally flawed' and will push future disabled claimants into hardship, urging MPs to continue to vote against it. While some Labour rebels view the concessions as a 'workable compromise,' others still plan to vote against the bill, believing the adjustments do not go far enough.
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Enormous house explosion that put two in hospital 'was caused by gas used to make super-strength cannabis oil'
An enormous house explosion that hospitalised two people is suspected to have been 'caused by gas used to make a super-strength cannabis oil'. The blast on Thursday in Spring Hall Grove, Halifax, West Yorkshire, has left two men in a critical condition, with a 'large number of butane gas canisters' found in the wreckage. Up to 14 homes were evacuated by the explosion that appeared to rip off at least one home, sending debris into the streets. Now, the significant number of butane gas canisters found at the scene are believed to be evidence of mass production of Butane Hash Oil (BHO), a strong and concentrated cannabis extract. Known for its high THC levels, often exceeding those of traditional cannabis, the drug is typically consumed through dabbing, a relatively new method of ingesting the substance. Produced through a chemical process that uses butane to extract the oils from cannabis, the drug process has gained increased popularity across the UK, USA and Australia. Photographs taken in the immediate aftermath of the explosion showed hundreds of gas cannisters scattered across the scene, appearing to have been stored in an upstairs bedroom. In an updated statement on the explosion, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a 'large number of butane gas cannisters' had been found at the property and that they were 'forming part of our ongoing enquiries'. The force, who said they were working alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in investigating the fire's circumstances, also confirmed that two adult males had been taken to hospital with 'serious injuries' and that they 'remain in hospital in a critical condition'. Detective Chief Inspector Clare Smith added: 'We understand that there will be speculation in the community about what has happened and the cause of this explosion. 'We are working alongside specialist fire investigators to ensure a comprehensive investigation is carried out into this incident.' One local witness, who lives around 20 metres from the blast, described the explosion as 'like a nuclear bomb going off'. They added: Everyone was screaming "get out of the house". 'I got my kids out and we went in the back. There's bricks and tiles in the street, all the cars are dented, and there are butane gas canisters in the street. 'There was a family with children living next door to the house and a middle-aged woman with a dog. 'Our house was shaking and could feel the whole thing tremble when the first bang went off. The force, who said they were working alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in investigating the fire's circumstances, also confirmed that two adult males had been taken to hospital with 'serious injuries' and that they 'remain in hospital in a critical condition' Pictured: the aftermath of the explosion which caused a huge fire with flames and smoke erupting into the sky 'I looked outside and there was fire everywhere.' Meanwhile, Sheena Bashir was awoken by the blast which happened less than a minute's walk from her home. Describing the explosion as 'unreal', she said: 'You see stuff like that in the movies, not round here. 'I was asleep and then I heard something like a bomb had gone off. I looked out of the window and could see the house was absolutely lit.' While Mrs Bashir was on the phone to the emergency services, smaller bangs after the initial blast could be heard. She said: 'There was one big bang and a lot of smaller ones.' Sophie Storer, 19, only moved to the street two weeks ago, and saw the flames after the explosion. She told MEN: 'I went upstairs about 12 and heard a massive bang. I looked out my window and I just saw red and orange rising up. 'My mum and Bougie were asleep. They came upstairs and we started filming to see what was going on.' Produced through a chemical process that uses butane to extract the oils from cannabis, the drug process of Butane Hash Oil (BHO) has gained increased popularity across the UK, USA and Australia. 'It's my birthday today and it's going to be a memorable one. It was a birthday with a bang for sure.' Shakes Hussain, 40, added: 'All the houses were shaking. I heard a big bang and then it was straight fire. 'It sounded like a big blast. I was scared, could hear people screaming. I got no sleep because I was scared and worried.' In a previous statement, West Yorkshire Police said that they had been called to the property at Coventry Street, Halifax, at 12.04am. They also confirmed that two people from one property had been taken to hospital with serious injuries, while a third person, from another property, had received treatment for minor injuries. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We sent five crews, plus the technical rescue and command unit. 'The explosion had affected six houses. Crews used large jets and an aerial ladder to extinguish the fire' A police corden continues to remain in place on Coventry Street as Northern Powergrid employees continue to work in and evacuated terraced properties. Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We sent five crews, plus the technical rescue and command unit. 'The explosion had affected six houses. Crews used large jets and an aerial ladder to extinguish the fire. 'Three people were taken to hospital.' A police corden continues to remain in place on Coventry Street as Northern Powergrid employees continue to work in and evacuated terraced properties. Northern Gas Networks previously said it was assisting but that the incident was 'not suspected to be related to our network'.
