Possibly trying to manufacture public support for a government crackdown, British establishment media outlets suggested that direct-action group Palestine Action had irreparably damaged planes which are complicit in the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza. But Declassified UK has exposed their BS, showing one of the planes is already back in the air (just under two weeks later).
Palestine Action noted that it had targeted “two military planes at RAF Brize Norton” because of their flights to RAF Akrotiri – “a foundational asset” for the war criminals obliterating Gaza. criminal assault on the occupied Palestinian territory. The Airbus Voyager planes in question, it said, “can carry military cargo and are used to refuel Israeli/US/UK military aircrafts and fighter jets”. It added:
By putting the planes out of service, activists have interrupted Britain’s direct participation in the commission of genocide and war crimes across the Middle East.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper responded to this direct action by announcing plans to proscribe Palestine Action. The group subsequently received solidarity from countless human rights and other high-profile groups, while raising well over £200,000 for its legal fightback. And even the UN has got involved, called on the British government not to proscribe the group.
Back in the air already? So much for Palestine Action leaving it “beyond repair”!
As journalist John McEvoy highlighted:
The Times subsequently reported that there was a “fear an RAF aircraft engine sabotaged at Brize Norton is beyond repair”.
LBC went further, noting that “the damage caused to the engine of one plane may render the aircraft unsafe to be used again and could cost £25 million to replace”.
However, flight tracking data shows one of the planes was flying again.
The British media claimed that Palestine Action may have damaged the planes at RAF Brize Norton "beyond repair", potentially costing the UK over £30mn.
Flight tracking data now shows the ZZ338 aircraft, one of the two targeted by Palestine Action, is already back in the air. pic.twitter.com/f4eqHnuA34
— John McEvoy (@jmcevoy_2) July 2, 2025
McEvoy added:
The revelation raises concerns that the damage to the RAF planes may have been exaggerated in order to build a case for banning Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.
The Ministry of Defence has not yet revealed the cost of repairing the damage.
Today, parliament will debate and vote on Palestine Action’s proscription. The government has controversially included white supremacist groups in the same draft proscription order.
The order to proscribe us is published.
The Home Secretary will ask for MPs to decide in one vote to ban Palestine Action and neo-Nazi groups 'Maniac Murder Cult' and 'Russian Imperialist Movement'.
She's done this deliberately to try and ensure the vote is successful.
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) June 30, 2025
Asking MPs in one vote to ban Palestine Action and two neo Nazi groups, one of which is called 'Maniacs Murder Cult'?
You couldn't make up how far the state will go to try and protect the Israeli weapons industry in Britain.https://t.co/B5jOkAik6u
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) June 30, 2025
All those who vote to take away everyone's freedom of speech today must be held accountable.
Putting us alongside the 'Maniacs Murder Cult' is no excuse to vote for proscription.
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) July 2, 2025
A protest will also take place in London to oppose the group’s proscription.
Featured image via the Canary
By Ed Sykes
This post was originally published on Canary.