UK MPs Support Plans to Ban Protest Group Palestine Action
British lawmakers have approved a draft amendment to the Terrorism Act 2000 that would designate the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The proposal, which also targets two other organizations, was put forward by the Home Secretary earlier this week and passed in the House of Commons by a vote of 385 to 26.
Government Rationale
Speaking in Parliament, Home Office minister Dan Jarvis explained that the measure is intended to strip Palestine Action of its political credibility, cut off its funding, and hamper its recruitment efforts aimed at radicalizing individuals for terrorist activities. Jarvis contrasted the group’s tactics with those of lawful protestors, emphasizing that the use of weapons, smoke bombs, and pyrotechnics—especially against public infrastructure—crosses a line that ordinary demonstrations do not. He also stressed that the right to protest remains intact, reassuring that citizens can still express support for Palestine through legitimate means.
Response from Palestine Action and Legal Challenges
A representative from Palestine Action expressed confidence that the order would eventually be overturned in court. The spokesperson argued that actions such as spraying red paint and interrupting the operations of a major arms supplier, while disruptive, do not equate to terrorism. The group is preparing to legally challenge the government’s decision, with a hearing scheduled shortly to determine if the ban can be temporarily halted.
Before the order is enacted into law, it must also gain approval from the House of Lords. If confirmed, being a member of or publicly supporting Palestine Action would become illegal, with potential penalties including significant prison sentences.
Criticism from Politicians and Human Rights Advocates
Numerous politicians and human rights organizations have voiced their concerns. Zarah Sultana, the independent MP for Coventry South, condemned the decision, arguing that it unfairly groups a peaceful network of students, healthcare workers, educators, and other civic-minded individuals with violent extremist groups. Sultana noted that the group’s actions—involving red paint rather than incendiary attack—would normally be handled as cases of criminal damage rather than terrorism.
Another Labour MP pointed out on social media that listing Palestine Action alongside violent neo-Nazi groups is misleading and represents a dangerous misuse of terror legislation. Additionally, United Nations human rights experts have urged the government to reconsider its approach, warning that classifying the group as a terrorist organization could undermine international standards and stifle legitimate dissent.
Reactions from Journalists and Public Figures
Several commentators have reacted strongly to the vote. A journalist with Electronic Intifada reported that the group has experienced a surge in membership since the announcement of the ban. Other voices in the media have labeled the decision a moment of infamy for Parliament, accusing it of aiding in the marginalization of civil rights activists committed to challenging the status quo.
British Jewish historian Professor Avi Shlaim criticized the government’s decision by pointing out that Palestine Action’s demonstrations, which have targeted machinery rather than people, do not warrant the label of terrorism. Similarly, Green MP Ellie Chowns explained her opposition to the proscription, arguing that equating nonviolent protest methods with terrorism is a dangerous overgeneralization that undermines the legitimacy of grassroots activism.
How Muslim MPs Voted
The Palestinian issue holds significant importance for many British Muslims. The voting record among Muslim MPs reflects varied positions on the matter. Independent Muslim MP Iqbal Mohamed from Dewsbury and Batley noted that due to personal commitments, he was not present in Parliament during the vote.
Voted to Ban
- Rushanara Ali – Labour
- Rosena Allin-Khan – Labour
- Tulip Siddiq – Labour
Voted Against
- Ayoub Khan – Independent
- Shockat Adam – Independent
- Apsana Begum – Independent
- Adnan Hussain – Independent
- Zarah Sultana – Independent
- Tahir Ali – Labour
- Imran Hussain – Labour
No Vote Recorded
- Saqib Bhatti – Conservative
- Nusrat Ghani – Conservative
- Iqbal Mohamed – Independent
- Zubir Ahmed – Labour
- Sadiq Al Hassan – Labour
- Rupa Huq – Labour
- Afzal Khan – Labour
- Naushabah Khan – Labour
- Shabana Mahmood – Labour
- Yasmin Qureshi – Labour
- Naz Shah – Labour
- Ibtisam Mohamed – Labour
- Mohammad Yasin – Labour
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