IWGB Statement against the proscription of Palestine Action and the escalation of imperial violence in Iran

The IWGB stands in unequivocal solidarity with Palestine Action and strongly condemns the British government’s proposal to ban the group as a “terrorist” organisation. This misuse of terror legislation against a non-violent protest movement is an attack on the right to protest, a dangerous criminalisation of international solidarity, and a shameful alignment with Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Britain continues to arm Israel as it commits atrocities in Gaza and participates in military aggression against Iran. These are not isolated acts, but part of a broader system of imperial violence aimed at entrenching global inequality and repression. Such actions do not bring peace—they deepen suffering and empower authoritarian regimes.

Our union is made up of workers from across the globe, many of whom have fled imperialist wars and economic injustice. Among us are workers from Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon, whose families are directly impacted by war and occupation. We stand with all people resisting genocide, militarism, oppression and colonial violence.

Palestine Action is being targeted not for threatening public safety, but for challenging the status quo. Their success in disrupting arms supplies exposes the government’s true priorities: profit, control, and impunity.

Britain’s assault on protest rights and its ongoing military interventions are symptoms of a capitalist, colonial system that thrives on exploitation. Trade unions have historically resisted such systems—from the boycott of apartheid South Africa to opposition to the Iraq War. We reaffirm that legacy and our commitment to collective resistance.

We call on our members, other unions, and communities to:

• Oppose the proscription of Palestine Action
• Demand an end to UK arms sales to Israel
• Pressure employers to cut ties with Israeli apartheid
• Stand firmly against war with Iran
• Support Palestinian liberation

As workers, we hold power—without us, nothing runs. British complicity in genocide relies on the industries we keep running, from arms factories to university campuses. These connections are also sources of leverage that we must capitalise on.

Though the trade union movement has faced setbacks, every act of resistance builds collective strength. IWGB is proud to have inspired many through our struggles over the past 13 years. We commit to using our power as workers to end British complicity and build a world rooted in justice, dignity, and peace.