Ministers are under pressure to reconsider the decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, which has been criticized as impractical and unsustainable. The call for a review comes after close to 900 individuals were arrested in London over the weekend under the Terrorism Act. Despite concerns raised by MPs, the Security Minister defended the move, which imposes severe penalties for expressing support for the group.
According to the Security Minister, many individuals displaying solidarity with Palestine Action may not fully comprehend the group’s violent activities, including an escalating pattern of intimidation and criminal damage. He refuted claims that the right to peaceful protest is being undermined by the measure.
In response to criticisms, Labour backbencher Kim Johnson described the proscription of Palestine Action as an authoritarian assault on the right to protest, labeling it as nonsensical and unsustainable. Similar sentiments were echoed by Lib Dem Caroline Voaden, who highlighted that among those arrested were members of various community groups, including a senior priest, an elderly Jewish man, and a teacher with experience in Gaza.
Despite the backlash, Mr. Jarvis maintained that proscribing Palestine Action was the correct decision. He emphasized that the group has been involved in a series of violent acts, including attacks using weapons that have resulted in severe injuries. He stressed that the actions of Palestine Action members, such as violent disorder and criminal damage, do not align with legitimate protest activities.
Over the weekend, a significant number of individuals were arrested in London during a protest against the proscription of Palestine Action. The arrests included individuals showing support for the group as well as those involved in public order offenses. This comes after a previous protest in Westminster led to over 500 arrests.
Responding to concerns about the high number of arrests, Lib Dem home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart raised alarms about potential convictions for simply displaying support for a proscribed organization during peaceful protests. Mr. Jarvis defended the government’s stance, stating that Palestine Action is involved in terrorism and poses a threat due to its members’ demonstrated willingness to engage in serious violence.
Mr. Jarvis assured MPs that the government’s actions do not impede on lawful expression of concerns by individuals.