July 02, (THEWILL) The UK Parliament on Wednesday approved a bill formally designating Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The proscription order, tabled by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, was passed in the House of Commons by 385 votes to 26.
Once signed into law, it will become a criminal offence to be a member of or offer support to the group, with violations punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Defending the legislation before lawmakers, Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis said the decision was necessary to dismantle what he described as the groups veil of legitimacy and curb its financial and recruitment operations.
By implementing this measure, we will remove Palestine Actions veil of legitimacy, tackle its financial support, and degrade its efforts to recruit and radicalise people into committing terrorist activity in its name, Jarvis told MPs.
He added, People engaged in lawful protests dont need weapons. They do not throw smoke bombs or fire pyrotechnics around innocent members of the public. And they do not cause millions of pounds in damage to national security infrastructure, including submarines and defensive equipment for NATO.
Jarvis stressed that the move would not infringe on the publics right to protest peacefully or express support for the Palestinian cause.
Those who wish to protest or express support for Palestine have always been able to and can continue to do so, he added.
The proscription is expected to come into effect later this week once signed by the Home Secretary.
Alongside Palestine Action, the legislation also proscribes two neo-Nazi groups the Maniacs Murder Cult (MMC) and the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM).
Palestine Action, a direct-action group known for targeting UK-based Israeli weapons manufacturers, has vowed to challenge the governments decision in court. A hearing is scheduled for Friday to determine whether the ban can be temporarily suspended pending further legal proceedings.
In a statement following the vote, the group condemned the decision, saying: The Home Secretary has bundled our domestic civil disobedience protest group in with two violent, neo-Nazi militias. Many MPs told us that as a consequence, they felt they did not have the option to vote against the measure.
Palestine Action expressed confidence that the order would ultimately be overturned, calling it unlawful and an attack on legitimate protest rights.
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link WhatsApp Share
