Statement on the new UK Proscription Measures

GGEC statement on the new UK proscription measures, issued on 16 July 2025. As an affiliate of GGEC, SACC endorses this statement.

Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee condemns and views with deep concern the UK Government’s draconian deployment of terrorism legislation against people using non-violent means to stop the horror genocide in Gaza, and against those wishing to express their free and rightful approval of such preventative actions. [1]

We regard use of the Terrorism Act 2000 in these circumstances as a gross negation of international law, a violation of the UK’s own legal obligations as signatories to the Genocide Convention, and a dark extremist curb on the most basic and inalienable right to free speech. [2]

Keir Starmer’s resort to such authoritarian measures should alert and alarm every citizen. This is the most dangerous wielding of repressive measures in modern times, serving to protect a terrorist regime and quell legitimate expressions of civil opposition to it.

While Palestinians are being bombed, starved and extinguished, it stands as the highest moral and legal indictment of this Labour government that it has sought to sanction not Israel’s heinous regime, but those speaking and acting with moral intent to prevent the commissioning of crimes against humanity.

This legislation is being used not only to shield Israel, but to chill criticism of Starmer’s own government and its direct part in the genocide.

Given this drastic proscription, we feel a prudent need to warn those within our own organisation and supportive others about its potential consequences.

Anyone deemed to be expressing approval, or showing visual forms of support for, a proscribed organisation can be subject to arrest and potential charges under Sections 12 and 13 of the Terrorism Act:

“Sections 12 and 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 relate to offenses concerning proscribed (banned) terrorist organizations. Section 12 focuses on inviting support for, or arranging meetings in support of, such organizations, while Section 13 deals with wearing items or displaying images that suggest membership or support of a proscribed organization.” [3]

This comes with a whole raised level of legal powers, civil curtailments, invasive procedures and custodial penalties. We are, therefore, concerned about the potential damage to our organisation through possible arrests, bail curtailments, convictions, punishments and depletion of our active members, outcomes that will have a negative effect on our vital campaigning efforts and emergency cause.

With mass and growing public opposition to Starmer’s harsh intervention, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in blocking civil speech and preventing responsive actions. But however people view this proscription, or intend to respond, it is incumbent upon us to offer this reminder of its serious implications.

As the terrible slaughter continues in Gaza, facilitated at every military, political and financial level by the British state, we must ensure that all of our collective energies are being used in the most strategic and effective ways to stop it.

Please note: given the uncertainties over any future legal challenges to this ruling, and potential charges against people already arrested under it, we may issue further statements as the situation develops. 

[1] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348273373/pdfs/ukdsiem_9780348273373_en_001.pdf

[2] https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/governments-use-of-terrorism-powers-against-protest-groups-sets-concerning-precedent/

[3] Google's AI overview of Sections 12 and 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 - https://www.google.com/search?q=sections+12+and+13+of+the+Terrorism+Act+civil+liberties+Liberty&sca_esv=0f3f3d91d2ee70a0&rlz=1CDGOYI_enGB982GB983&hl=en-GB&sxsrf=AE3TifMo0T7AwMcxKpvEgfe8eqiCUvVv2Q%3A1752562430580&ei=_vp1aICXI5yphbIPi6Lg6QU&oq=sections+12+and+13+of+the+Terrorism+Act+civil+liberties+Liberty&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIj9zZWN0aW9ucyAxMiBhbmQgMTMgb2YgdGhlIFRlcnJvcmlzbSBBY3QgY2l2aWwgbGliZXJ0aWVzIExpYmVydHlI08MBUOguWP-wAXAAeACQAQCYAfIBoAGQGKoBBzExLjE3LjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAhugAqQXwgILEAAYgAQYsAMYogTCAgQQIxgnwgIHECEYoAEYCsICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFECEYoAHCAgUQIRifBcICBBAhGBXCAgUQABjvBcICBBAhGArCAgQQHhgKmAMAiAYBkAYEkgcGNi4yMC4xoAfaiAGyBwY2LjIwLjG4B6QXwgcIMC4yMC42LjHIB0g&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp