Man charged after RAF Brize Norton break-in linked to Palestine Action

A man has appeared in court charged with offenses related to a break-in at RAF Brize Norton, which was claimed by Palestine Action.

Muhammad Umer Khalid, 22, is accused of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to knowingly enter a prohibited place for purposes harmful to the safety or interests of the UK.

The incident on 20 June saw a group of protesters break into the air base and spray-paint two RAF Voyager planes. Police say the act caused £7m of damage.

Mr. Khalid, who appeared in court via video link from Wormwood Scrubs, has been remanded in custody and will next appear in court to enter a plea in January.

Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for the incident, saying it was a protest against the UK’s support of Israel’s war in Gaza.

The British government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization soon after.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told the court the break-in was a "sophisticated and carefully planned attack" with a "terrorist connection."

Mr. Khalid, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, is the fifth person to be charged in connection with the break-in.

He will next appear in court for a plea hearing on 16 January 2026, and a provisional trial date is set for 18 January 2027.

Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Jony Cink, 24, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, and Lewis Chiaramello, 22, who are all also in custody, will appear on the same dates.