Thank you to those constituents who have contacted me about protests and Palestine Action.
Anyone is of course free to demonstrate about the appalling situation in Gaza and has absolute freedom to gather with others and voice their views, provided that they do so within the law. Supporting Palestine and supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation are not the same thing and some of those holding placards in support of Palestine Action may not know the extent of its activities.
I believe it is right that anyone who wishes to demonstrate about the humanitarian situation in Gaza or the actions of any government, including our own, has the freedom to gather and share their views, and the Government has reaffirmed this.
However, earlier this year, clear advice and intelligence was given to the then Home Secretary, stating that Palestine Action satisfied the relevant tests in the Terrorism Act 2000 and should be proscribed.
This is due to the fact that it has conducted an escalating campaign involving intimidation and sustained criminal damage, including to Britain’s national security infrastructure. Some attacks involved the use of weapons, resulting in alleged violence and serious injuries to individuals. In addition, Palestine Action’s members have been charged with violent disorder, grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, criminal damage and aggravated burglary – charges that include, in the assessment of the independent Crown Prosecution Service, a terrorism connection.
Only recently, Palestine Action claimed responsibility for an attack against a Jewish-owned business in north London, where the glass front of the building was smashed and the building and floor defaced with red-paint.
The Government has concluded that all these are not the actions of a legitimate protest group, and that it would not be right to ignore expert security assessments, advice and recommendations.
In addition, the really important issue of Palestinian rights should not be co-opted by one organisation that has shown that it is willing to use violence in pursuit of its cause. Strong views are held about the situation in Gaza, but supporting or being a member of a proscribed terrorist organisation is a criminal offence and is not right, regardless of the wider context.
This decision to proscribe Palestine Action will not affect freedom of speech or the freedom to protest. It will not stifle legitimate dissent and will not criminalise those expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Finally, as you may be aware, there is to be a legal challenge to the Government’s decision.
Thank you for contacting me about this important matter.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland