Palestine Action
For a group or organisation to meet the criteria for proscription, the Home Secretary must reasonably believe that it is concerned in terrorism. This means that there must be clear evidence that an organisation commits or participates in terrorism, it prepares for terrorism, it promotes or encourages terrorism, or it is otherwise concerned in terrorism.
The UK’s definition of terrorism was established in law a quarter of a century ago, and proscription itself is ideologically neutral, judging an organisation on its actions and the actions it is willing to take in pursuit of its cause. The seriousness of the use or threat of an action, such as serious violence or serious damage to property can define it.
Palestine Action have committed violent acts that put people in harm’s way. It has orchestrated a nationwide campaign of violence, resulting in severe property damage, such as the vandalism it committed at RAF Brize Norton. As a result of coordinated attacks, members of the group have been charged with serious offences, including violent disorder, grievous bodily harm with intent and aggravated burglary, which is an offence involving a weapon. Palestine Action members have even used violence against people responding at the scene of attacks.
That is intolerable, and for that reason, I had no hesitation in voting to proscribe this self-confessed violent organisation. I echo the Security Minister’s words on this issue:
“People engaged in lawful protest do not need weapons. People engaged in lawful protest do not throw smoke bombs and fire pyrotechnics around innocent members of the public. And people engaged in lawful protest do not cause millions of pounds’ worth of damage to national security infrastructure, including submarines and defence equipment for NATO.”
The right to protest is fundamental, as well as freedom of assembly and expression. The Government has reaffirmed that proscribing Palestine Action will not affect the right to protest. People have always been able to protest or express support for Palestine, and I am glad this will continue to be the case. However, I am unable to look the other way when innocent members of the public are in danger of being harmed by violent means.
On Palestine more broadly, I want to see an end to the war in Gaza, and a two-state solution as part of a lasting peace in the region. I welcome that the Government has suspended arms licenses, sanctioned extremist Israeli Ministers, suspended trade negotiations and provided nearly a quarter of a billion pounds of humanitarian support. On the question of arms transfers, I have made representations to the Government for it to do more to prevent F-35 fighter jet components from being exported to Israel via third countries.
Setting out a pathway to recognise the State of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September is a historic step, and I remain hopeful that this revives ceasefire negotiations to stop the horrors that are being inflicted on Palestinians.