Palestine Action has reportedly launched a major recruitment drive just days before it is due to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
According to The Telegraph, Palestine Action is training its members – reportedly ranging from nursery teachers to surgeons and from clergy to academics, and aged 18 to 80 – on which British military targets to attack.
The “direct action workshop” comes after its activists claimed responsibility for the sabotage of two RAF planes at Brize Norton, an action that triggered the proscription announcement.
From one of its online meetings, The Telegraph has also disclosed details on advice to activists on utilising the legal aid system if they are arrested. They also reportedly discussed tactics at the meeting, including breaking into factories hitting “everything you can find with a sledgehammer”, as well as how to target military bases without detection.
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “For Palestine Action to seek to surge its membership and activity following a proscription should be regarded as an insult to law enforcement and a repudiation of British values of decency, law and order and respect for our armed forces.
“It was said at the meeting, according to the newspaper, that activists should be ready to make ‘sacrifices’ for the cause. If they breach the law, police and prosecutors should ensure that they are enforced.
“The prospect of a network of autonomous cells using encrypted messaging platforms to conduct a wave of attacks on British military installations represents a dangerous escalation and, fundamentally, an attack on Britain.
“There can no longer be any doubt that Palestine Action should be proscribed as a terrorist organisation.”
