Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has expressed shock over plans to ban Palestine Action protest activities in London. He called the group’s actions “extremist” but admitted police lack legal grounds to stop the rally.
While defending the right to protest, Rowley insisted supporting Palestine Action crosses a line. He warned officers would enforce strict conditions to prevent disorder. Additionally, any illegal acts would face swift consequences.
The Home Secretary is expected to formally ban Palestine Action protest groups by labeling them terrorists. This follows Friday’s raid on RAF Brize Norton, where activists vandalized military planes with red paint.
Over 35 organizations, including Stop the War Coalition and MEND, still plan to march. Palestine Action dismissed the terror label as an attack on democracy. Member Saeed Taji Farouky called the move “absurd” and warned of eroding civil liberties.
The group targets arms firms tied to Israel, claiming it disrupts “genocide supply chains.” Israel denies genocide allegations, citing self-defense after Hamas’ October 7 attacks.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman backed the ban Palestine Action protest measure, calling it “correct.” Conversely, Labour’s Zarah Sultana compared it to past Iraq War protests, stressing dissent’s importance.
Amnesty International UK criticized counterterrorism tactics against demonstrators. Meanwhile, PM Keir Starmer condemned the RAF base breach as “disgraceful.”
Since October, London has seen frequent pro-Palestinian rallies. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 55,000 deaths, including 15,000 children. Protesters demand UK policy changes, while critics accuse them of extremism.
With tensions rising, Monday’s developments could redefine protest limits in Britain. The Met vows balance, but the ban Palestine Action protest move signals a hardening stance.
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