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Guidance on Proscribed Organisations

Following the proscription of a non violent direct action group by the Government in 2025, the implications for the right to protest are troubling. It is against that background that we have developed the Proscribed Groups policy and guidance. We believe it is the best course of action to keep everyone safe.

This guidance aims to help XRUK members, Local and Community Groups, and individuals understand the risks associated with publicly supporting or affiliating with proscribed organisations, especially when using XR branding, funds, or communications. It complements the official XRUK Proscribed Groups Policy.

For full policy details, consult the XRUK Proscribed Groups Policy.
We will continue to evaluate the situation as it develops.

References to proscribed organisations and to Palestine.

As of July 5th 2025, Palestine Action is formally proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT). The ban is being legally challenged, but the outcome is uncertain and the environment legally volatile, so the risk remains regardless. CAGE International outlines the consequences for membership or support here.

A list of all proscribed organisations is available to read through here.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000 it is an offence to:

  • belong, or profess to belong, to a proscribed organisation in the UK or overseas. Section 11 TACT
  • express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation. Section 12(1A) TACT
  • arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in the knowledge that the meeting is to support or further the activities of a proscribed organisation, or is to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to. Section 12(2) TACT
  • wear clothing or carry or display articles in public in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that the individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation. Section 13 TACT
  • publish an image of an item of clothing or other article, such as a flag or logo, in the same circumstances. Section 13(1A) TACT

Under the TACT, ‘support’ for a proscribed organisation may include non-material support, public endorsement or encouragement. Because of that, publicly campaigning for the de-proscription of a proscribed organisation (for example, by endorsing ‘remove from list’ or ‘lift the ban’, promoting such campaigns, or facilitating related meetings) could potentially be interpreted as ‘support’ and has in some instances led to arrests.

If you are considering participating in such a campaign in an XR-affiliated capacity - especially if this could involve using XR branding, funding, or communication channels - you should treat this as carrying a significant legal and organisational risk, in addition to the risks which you could face personally. We would therefore urge you to read the full guidance document before taking any such actions. When in doubt, consult XR Legal before proceeding.

Penalties can be found here and are mentioned on the government website.

  • Offences under sections 11 and 12 have a maximum of 14 years in prison and/or a fine.
  • The maximum penalty for a section 13 offence is 6 months in prison and/or a fine not exceeding £5,000.

Additional guidance for Local & Community Groups

Please refer to this guidance document intended to provide local and community groups, who sit outside of the XR Proscribed Groups Policy, with information and suitable guidance to minimise the risk to all Rebels.

Contact xr-legal@riseup.net.

Messaging Guidance

Here are some practical tips for how to communicate online about proscribed organisations, so you don’t accidentally put yourself or others at legal risk. This situation is evolving all the time, so this guidance may change over coming weeks.

What does this mean when talking about Palestine?
  • The fact that a genocide is happening in Gaza, and the broader situation in Palestine.
  • Human rights concerns and violations.
  • Calls for peace, a ceasefire, or humanitarian aid.
  • Criticism of the government, arms companies, or policies.

The Palestinian flag has not been proscribed!

You may find the existing messaging guidance on conflict in relation to the climate and ecological emergency useful.

However, there are important lines not to cross while speaking about Palestine:

  • Do not invite or encourage support for any proscribed organisation, whether directly or indirectly.
  • Avoid using slogans, symbols, flags, or images that could clearly link your message to a proscribed group - context really matters.
  • Avoid calls to action that could be interpreted as fundraising for, endorsing, or promoting a proscribed group’s aims or activities.
  • Be mindful that old posts may still be considered problematic by financial service providers. If in doubt, review and clean up. If your local group has a bank account or fiscal host, you should consider what would happen if this was closed.
What can I say about proscription?

You are free to talk about the fact that the government has proscribed a group, but should avoid naming specific groups. It is also fine to raise questions and concerns about the impact of proscription on civil liberties, freedom of speech, and the right to protest.

You can explain how this affects our work, as long as you do not imply support for the aims of the proscribed organisation. It is also acceptable to call for fair treatment of individuals arrested under these new powers — but do not campaign for support for the proscribed organisation itself.

Be careful: campaigning directly against the proscription could be seen as indirect support.

What is the guidance for solidarity?

We must be aware that XRUK is more at risk than other organisations. Exact wording and context matters.

You can:

  • General solidarity messaging is possible — but must avoid crossing the line into “inviting support”.
  • Stand with individuals, such as arrestees, treated unfairly, so long as you do not link this to explicit support for a proscribed group’s aims.
  • Share reputable reporting and analysis from trusted sources (e.g. Liberty, Netpol, Amnesty), but always check the source and context first.

You should not:

  • Share or display uniforms, flags, or symbols that could be read as supporting a proscribed organisation. Keep a close eye on what is in any photos before uploading.
  • Republish or share any calls to action that directly invite support for a proscribed group.

Ask yourself: Could this be seen as encouraging support? If there’s any doubt, don’t post it.

Still have questions?

Contact us at xr-legal@riseup.net.

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