Six people have been charged with offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 following a major Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation into activity linked to the proscribed group england/palestine/”>Palestine Action.
The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, supported by CTP North West and CTP North East, confirmed the charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service on Wednesday.
Details of the Charges
The charges relate to:
- Public gatherings in support of Palestine Action in London, Manchester, and wales/cardiff/”>Cardiff between 12 July and 9 August 2025.
- A planned gathering scheduled for 6 September in London.
- Thirteen online meetings organised on Zoom between 17 July and 21 August 2025.
A separate, connected case has seen one man charged in Scotland, Police Scotland confirmed.
Counter Terrorism Police Statement
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, Head of Operations for the Counter Terrorism Command, said:
“The six charges today, as well as the man charged in Scotland, have come about as a result of a proactive investigation into suspected activity linked to Palestine Action.
While we cannot comment further on these cases now they are before the courts, I want to reiterate that there are potentially serious consequences for those found guilty of offences under the Terrorism Act.
Palestine Action is a proscribed terrorist group. Those who show support for this organisation or encourage others to do so can expect to be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.”
She stressed that lawful protests and demonstrations on Palestine continue to be allowed across the UK, but urged people to avoid any activity supporting proscribed groups.
Those Charged
The six charged are:
- Patrick Friend, 26, of Kennington, London
- Timothy Crosland, 55, of Walworth, London
- Dawn Manners, 61, of Hackney, London
- Gwen Harrison, 48, of Kendal, Cumbria
- David Nixon, 39, of Barnsley, South Yorkshire
- Melanie Griffith, 62, of Southwark, London
All face charges of encouraging support for a proscribed organisation (section 12, Terrorism Act 2000).
They were arrested on Tuesday, 2 September, at locations across London, Cumbria, and South Yorkshire, and charged the following day.
The six have been remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 4 September.
