In a major crackdown on protest groups, MPs have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The controversial decision passed by 385 votes to 26, paving the way for severe penalties. Once enacted, supporting the group could lead to 14 years in prison.
Meanwhile, legal efforts are underway to halt the ban. Activists secured a High Court hearing scheduled for Friday. They argue the crackdown unfairly targets peaceful dissent. Alongside Palestine Action, two far-right extremist groups also face proscription, highlighting the breadth of the crackdown on protest groups.
Shortly after the vote, police arrested four protesters outside Parliament. One man blocked Downing Street with his mobility scooter. Officers enforced strict limits on protests, confining demonstrations to a designated Whitehall area.
The government insists Palestine Action meets terrorism criteria. Security Minister Dan Jarvis condemned the group’s “atrocious acts,” citing vandalism at RAF Brize Norton. Activists sprayed military planes red last month, sparking nationwide outrage amidst ongoing protest group crackdowns.
However, critics warn the crackdown threatens civil liberties. Labour MPs Clive Lewis and Richard Burgon opposed the move. Lewis argued that direct action differs from terrorism, while Burgon feared mass criminalization of supporters in this crackdown against protest groups.
Palestine Action slammed the decision, calling it politically motivated. The group vowed to fight the ban in court. Human Rights Watch UK director Yasmine Ahmed accused the government of authoritarian overreach.
The order now heads to the Lords, where approval seems likely. If finalized, it will mark one of the toughest measures against activism in years, emphasizing the extent of the crackdown on protest groups.
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