Topic analysis

Yvette Cooper wrote Palestine Action article despite CPS warning it could affect trial

Then-UK home secretary Yvette Cooper published a newspaper column in August 2024 justifying the proscription of Palestine Action, despite a Crown Prosecution Service warning that the piece could prejudice the criminal trial of six activists from the group linked to a 2024 break-in at an Elbit Systems UK factory. Defence lawyers filed an abuse of process motion to halt proceedings, citing Cooper’s column and other alleged prejudicial statements, but Mr Justice Johnson dismissed the application, and four of the activists were later convicted of criminal damage.