This statement accompanies University of Leeds UCU’s signature on this open letter: https://protestisnotterrorism.wordpress.com/2025/07/14/open-letter-protest-is-not-terrorism-defend-palestine-action-from-proscription/. 

University of Leeds UCU Committee has agreed to sign the open letter opposing the proscription of Palestine Action, alongside over 1300 individual signatories and a number of organisations from across the trade union, academic, and human rights sectors. This is in line with UCU’s national position, as set out in UCU’s recent statement opposing the proscription of Palestine Action, and calling for the protection of democratic freedoms and civil liberties (see: https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/14101/UCU-statement-Stop-authoritarian-attacks-on-the-Palestine-movement). 

This decision reflects our union’s longstanding commitments to: 

• Defend civil liberties and the right to protest; 
• Oppose the use of counter-terrorism legislation to suppress political dissent;  
• Stand in solidarity with those seeking to end the arms trade with Israel, especially in the context of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, which have been condemned by a wide range of international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UN Special Rapporteurs, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), B’Tselem, and others.  

 We are signing in a political and civil liberties capacity only. This does not constitute material, financial, or operational support for any proscribed organisation, nor does it endorse or encourage any unlawful activity. Our signature to this letter is based on principles of free expression, democratic organising, and peaceful dissent, as protected under the Human Rights Act 1998. 

University of Leeds UCU Committee remains committed to non-violent, democratic campaigning and to opposing war, racism, and repression in all forms. We are proud to stand with others who are challenging the erosion of protest rights and demanding justice and accountability.