Before debating this motion the chair of the meeting read the following statement to the meeting: “Because Palestine Action is a proscribed organisation, avoid any activity that could be seen as supporting or coordinating with it, as this may carry serious legal risks. UCU advises that if you wish to express views on Gaza or Palestine, you do so through lawful, peaceful events and campaigns, and follow the law at all times.”

The branch resolved to send the following motion to Leeds Trades Unions Council.

Leeds TUC notes that: 

• the Home Secretary’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action has drawn wide criticism from across the trade union movement, human rights organisations and wider society 

• since proscription, thousands have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for holding signs 

• TUC policy passed unanimously at Congress 2025 demands the repeal of the proscription of Palestine Action and condemns “the home secretary’s abuse of anti-terrorism legislation to ban a non-violent, direct action group, persecute opponents of this move and target peaceful activists.”  

Leeds TUC believes that:  

• the proscription of Palestine Action constitutes a major assault on our democratic rights and civil liberties and must be challenged by the trade union movement  

• the attack on the Palestine solidarity movement through court action against the national coalition for Palestine demonstration organisers is likewise a highly repressive move 

• protest which targets property or disrupts ‘business-as-usual’ is not terrorism and has a long and proud history as part of many struggles for justice and against oppression  

Leeds TUC resolves to:  

• sign the Protest is not terrorism open letter collectively and circulate to affiliated branches 

• organise a public meeting with local trade unions on defending the right to protest and invite speakers from Defend our Juries, Protest is not Terrorism open letter and the organisers of the national demonstrations for Palestine.  

• send a delegation with our banner to join the “witness circle” at any upcoming Defend our Juries actions  

• write to our MPs expressing opposition to proscription and other attempts to repress the Palestine movement 

(250 words) proposed by Anja Komatar. Moved by Anja Komatar. The motion was carried at the extraordinary general meeting 21 January 2026.

This page was last updated on 15 September 2026