UK counterterrorism police have arrested four individuals in connection with a break-in at the Royal Air Force’s largest airbase, RAF Brize Norton, by members of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action. The arrests follow an incident last week in which activists sprayed red paint into the engines of military Voyager aircraft in protest against the UK’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

According to a statement by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, three suspects — a 29-year-old woman and two men aged 36 and 24 — were detained on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. A fourth person, a 41-year-old woman, was arrested for allegedly assisting the offenders. All four remain in custody. The arrests took place in Newbury, Berkshire, and London on Thursday.

UK Moves to Ban Activist Group as Terrorist Organization

The UK government has announced it will move to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. A draft order under the Terrorism Act 2000 is scheduled to be presented to parliament on June 30. If approved, membership or support of the group would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Palestine Action condemned the move and the arrests, stating, “The fact this arrest has taken place before the proposed proscription has been voted on, further demonstrates that proscription is not about enabling prosecutions under terrorism laws. It’s about cracking down on non-violent protests which disrupt the flow of arms to Israel.”

Campaign History and Government Response

Palestine Action has spent several years engaging in direct actions targeting British companies and government agencies it accuses of enabling Israeli military operations. Their tactics — often involving vandalism and blockades — have become increasingly confrontational.

The UK’s response reflects growing concern within the government over disruptions to military operations and pressure to suppress activist actions seen as damaging national security.