Pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action holds a rally outside the Houses of Parliament in London to protest plans by the UK Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to proscribe the organisation. If enacted, the ban designates Palestine Action as a terrorist group. The move follows a series of direct actions by the group, including recent attacks on RAF Brize Norton, where activists damaged two military aircraft.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Cooper will issue a formal written statement on Monday proposing the ban. The measure requires debate and approval by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before becoming law. Supporters of Palestine Action denounce the proscription as an attempt to suppress legitimate protest, while government officials argue it prevents unlawful and potentially dangerous activities.

Meanwhile, at 12:15 GMT in London, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, former National Security Adviser, appears before the Foreign Affairs Committee to give evidence in its inquiry into the UK’s use of its penholder role at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The penholder position allows the UK to lead on drafting resolutions related to key issues.

Committee members question Sir Mark on how global powers, notably China and Russia, exploit the multilateral system to advance their interests amid reductions in UK and US foreign aid. The discussion highlights concerns over a “crisis of legitimacy” within the Security Council, particularly about its handling of the conflict in Gaza and other international crises.

The inquiry reflects growing unease in Westminster about the UK’s ability to influence global governance effectively. MPs explore ways to strengthen the country’s diplomatic tools and to counter challenges posed by rival powers in a fractured international landscape.

Agencies