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In a significant move, Members of Parliament have overwhelmingly voted in favor of legislation to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, with the vote passing by a substantial margin of 385 to 26. The order, which modifies the Terrorism Act 2000, is set to be authorized by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and put into effect later this week. Once enforced, any form of endorsement or affiliation with Palestine Action will be considered a criminal offense, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.
Despite the impending implementation of the order, legal efforts are underway to challenge it, with a hearing scheduled at London’s High Court on Friday. The group Palestine Action has been granted the opportunity to present their case and challenge the legality of the decision. Alongside the proscription of Palestine Action, the order also includes the banning of Maniacs Murder Cult, a white supremacist organization, and the Russian Imperial Movement, a white supremacist group with ethno-nationalist ideologies.
The move to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was prompted by a recent incident where activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and defaced two planes with red paint. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the actions as “disgraceful,” leading to the increased scrutiny of the group. Despite the group’s perspective on the matter, Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis emphasized that the attention garnered by Palestine Action should not be conflated with legitimacy, citing their escalating violent activities targeting various institutions.
While the proscription order is anticipated to pass through the House of Lords with little opposition, concerns have been raised by some Labour backbenchers about the approach taken. Labour MP Clive Lewis highlighted the historical significance of direct action in challenging boundaries within democracy, distinguishing it from terrorist activities. Additionally, MP Richard Burgon expressed apprehension about the potential consequences of criminalizing volunteers and supporters, underscoring the diverse backgrounds of individuals associated with the group
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