Palestine Action

Statement issued by Jewish Voice for Labour on Wednesday 2 July:

Proscribing Palestine Action is an Outrage!

It is a new low from this government, using accusations of terrorism to clamp down on dissent.

It is an attack on free speech and the right to non-violent protest in the UK – a right Keir Starmer once defended but has now shamefully abandoned.

It threatens the fabric of our democracy. A direct action protest group will be classified as a terrorist organisation, joining the likes of Islamic State and al-Qaida. There is no resemblance.

Palestine Action does not advocate for violent armed action or for people to be harmed, It exists to decommission weapons used to commit war crimes. It breaks the law to prevent an even greater breach of the law.

The government has capitulated to pro-Israel pressure groups such as the Jewish Leadership Council, We Believe in Israel and the so-called Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Liberty, Amnesty International and the European Legal Support Center have submitted witness statements supporting PA’s case alleging the unlawful misuse of anti-terror measures to criminalise dissent.

A senior civil servant reports that Home Office staff are concerned about the “absurd” decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws: “It’s…a blatant misuse of anti-terror laws for political purposes to clamp down on protests which are affecting the profits of arms companies.”

The order makes any and every action in support of Palestine a possible terrorist offence as this might be construed as support for Palestine Action’s goal of “solidarity with the Palestinian people”.

The government is using anti-terrorist laws to cover up its embarrassment at the poor security at bases where PA actions have taken place.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper engages in a cynical ploy by naming Palestine Action in a proscription order alongside 2 obscure Russian neo-nazi groups ‘Maniac Murder Cult’ and ‘Russian Imperialist Movement’ (RIM), forcing MPs to vote to approve all three bans or to reject all three.

We say:

We oppose the proscription of Palestine Action and send them our solidarity.

We support the right for people to engage in direct action to prevent greater harm for example, in recent years, for Palestine, to limit environmental catastrophe, to support the rights of asylum seekers or to oppose racism.

We view the actions of Palestine Action as a justifiable response to the brutal occupation of Palestine and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.



https://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org...is-an-outrage/

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

Surely you recognize a group that pushes for damage of state military and consistently does so is at least an issue, and not some grand conspiracy?

What if some far right group caused £30m of damage to the coastguard and proposed to continue to do it because of their enabling role in the boat crossings? Would that just be vandalism?

This has nothing to do with post WW2 and even less to do with Thatcher

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Maybe if we didn't have orphan crushing machines there wouldn't be a issue of damaging them?

This post does not express support for Palestine Action. Nor does the linked piece.

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...rt-protest-law

https://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org...cles-for-you_1

Palestine Action is, by any measure, an unusual candidate for the “terror” tag. It does not have bombs or guns. Its most noteworthy action was to spray red paint on British warplanes at an RAF base.

When the alleged painters go on trial they may want to call on the services of a well-known human rights barrister who 20 years ago, in a separate case, defended Josh Richards. Along with others, Richards had infiltrated RAF Fairford intending to disable bombers heading to Iraq. The barrister and his colleagues argued that their clients’ actions were aimed at preventing illegal war or war crimes and therefore could be legally justified. Two juries refused to convict Richards, and the charges were eventually withdrawn.

This able and persuasive human rights barrister now has a different day job. He is, of course, Keir Starmer, the prime minister who, for reasons as yet unexplained, but perhaps guessable (ambition, opportunism, lack of principle, moral turpitude, general spinelessness and an unfailing commitment to convicted felon, self-confessed sexual abuser, nest-featherer-in-chief and aspiring autocrat Donald Trump), has travelled a long and dark way from fighting the corner of idealistic protesters who risk their liberty, their futures and sometimes their lives to shine a light on the glaring injustices they see around them.

What does the Starmer of the Fairford Five trial make of the older, sadder and pitiful 2025 version of himself? We can only assume he avoids watching the unedifying footage of himself and his colleagues (Emily Thornberry, for example, another “human rights” lawyer) as they squirm to redefine genocide as something other than the blanket bombing of a helpless civilian population, the mass killing of women and children, the destruction of hospitals, schools and places of worship, and the denial of water, food and medical supplies—all as part of a campaign that Israeli politicians and ministers boast is for the purpose of expelling Palestinians.

Genocide appears to fall into what in Ireland we call “the doer, not the deed” syndrome. We shouldn’t get distracted by what’s being done, even if it’s mass killing. The important thing is who’s doing it. If it’s our guy, it can sometimes be a little embarrassing, especially if he gets caught or says the quiet things out loud, but it’s generally nothing to get too worked up about.

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But let’s not waste any more time on this pathetic, cringe-inducing little man who can see red paint sprayed on warplanes and government buildings, but apparently not the blood gushing from tens of thousands of Palestinians. Who can hear chanting at Glastonbury, but not the screams of the maimed and incinerated, or the howls of grief and rage from survivors. Who is offended by Kneecap but not by the genocidal statements of senior Israeli politicians and cabinet ministers.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...lestine-action

More than 60 people have been arrested across the UK in several demonstrations where references to Palestine Action were allegedly made, a week after the group was banned as a terrorist organisation.

Last week, 29 people who had gathered close to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square in London, holding signs that appeared to express support for the group, were arrested by Metropolitan police officers. Among them was an 83-year-old former priest, the Rev Sue Parfitt.

On Saturday, shortly after 1pm, two small groups of protesters demonstrated in Parliament Square, sitting at the steps of the statues of both Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. The action was organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, which said more demonstrations were due to take place elsewhere in London and in Manchester, Cardiff and Derry.

At 1.20pm, the Met released a statement on X that said: “We are responding to a protest in support of Palestine Action. Officers are in the process of making arrests. We will issue any updates on this thread.”

In another post, the Met said officers had “made 41 arrests for showing support for a proscribed organisation”.

Defend Our Juries said on X: “Over 300 police officers have been seen to carry away dozens of people from the foot of statues of Nelson Mandela and Gandhi for alleged ‘terrorism offences’. Those arrested are accused of holding signs in support of Palestine Action.”

In Manchester, 16 people holding signs referencing Palestine Action at the foot of the Emmeline Pankhurst statue in St Peter’s Square were arrested.

A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said: “At around 2.30pm this afternoon, we responded to a protest taking place in St Peter’s Square – 16 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000. The group peacefully dissipated at around 3.25pm.”

In Cardiff, 13 people who sat outside the BBC Cymru Wales headquarters holding signs that appeared to express support for the group were arrested.

A police spokesperson said: “South Wales police supports the right for people to make their voices heard through protest providing it is done lawfully. We can confirm that 13 people were arrested earlier today during a protest which took place in the vicinity of Central Square, Cardiff.”

“They were arrested on suspicion of committing offences under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.”

Defend Our Juries said officers in Manchester pushed “through crowds of onlookers to arrest sign-holders, including three vicars and many pensioners”.

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Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, announced plans to ban Palestine Action late last month, days after activists from the group allegedly broke into RAF Brize Norton and defaced two military aircraft with spray paint.

MPs voted in favour of proscribing the group last Wednesday. The House of Lords backed the move without a vote the day after.

UN experts, civil liberties groups, cultural figures and hundreds of lawyers have condemned the ban as draconian and said it sets a dangerous precedent by conflating protest with terrorism.

The ban means Palestine Action has become the first direct action protest group to be banned under the Terrorism Act, placing it in the same category as Islamic State, al-Qaida and the far-right group National Action.

Why do so many people feel the need to tell such ridiculous lies. The idea that Palestine Action are non violent is utterly moronic. They're a direct action group who've been implicated in assaults and had ' Sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons ' seized from at least one of their operations.

If people don't think they've crossed the threshold into terrorism then fair enough, I've got a bit of sympathy for that. But to suggest they are non violent is completely disingenuous.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisp_1927

Why do so many people feel the need to tell such ridiculous lies. The idea that Palestine Action are non violent is utterly moronic. They're a direct action group who've been implicated in assaults and had ' Sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons ' seized from at least one of their operations.

If people don't think they've crossed the threshold into terrorism then fair enough, I've got a bit of sympathy for that. But to suggest they are non violent is completely disingenuous.

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Any links to back that claim up?

Maybe I missed it, but I have never seen that alleged anywhere - by the government, by the police or by any section of the media (including the most politically hostile sections).

There is no argument about criminal damage, trespass, and general disruption of businesses that produce arms for Israel or enable the manufacture and use of arms to the IDF for use in Gaza and the West Bank.

But lies.... violence.... 'sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons'? I am sure their activists went equipped to break through gates or fences, and to cause damage to buildings or to spray paint on things. But you are suggesting they ('in at least one of their operations') set out to physically injure other people?

So where has that come from?

This is what the proscription was really all about - shutting down any support for Palestine; any criticism of Israel:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...lestinian-flag

Chances are that the policeman in question is just not very bright. Either that or he’s anti-Muslim. I don’t think it’s a case of them being told to arrest any old supporter of Palestine.

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Originally Posted by stevo

Chances are that the policeman in question is just not very bright. Either that or he’s anti-Muslim. I don’t think it’s a case of them being told to arrest any old supporter of Palestine.

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I hope you're right stevo - but there have been other incidents, and the Palestine solidarity movement has been expecting a change of approach from government and the police (as happened with the January arrests at the end of the national demonstration).

The PSC decided against a Spartacus defence of Palestine Action before the ban became law. The proscription is so broadly worded that the police don't have to be stupid or racist to apply it in a way that would suppress a swathe of legitimate solidarity activity.

We will know more after Saturday's national demonstration.


Attachment 6607

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IETxE7VErPA&t=744s

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Originally Posted by jon1959

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IETxE7VErPA&t=744s

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The truth will out! Despicable!

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...lestine-action

Man arrested in Glasgow for holding a sign that said 'Genocide In Gaza - Time To Take Action'

That is the 'terrorist' offence - not the genocide!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jon1959

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...lestine-action

Man arrested in Glasgow for holding a sign that said 'Genocide In Gaza - Time To Take Action'

That is the 'terrorist' offence - not the genocide!

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You'll be glad to know I saw some people protesting about Israel on Queen Street earlier Jon, and no arrests or police (or much public) interest 👍

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

You'll be glad to know I saw some people protesting about Israel on Queen Street earlier Jon, and no arrests or police (or much public) interest ��

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That is definitely newsworthy!

Over 100 arrested yesterday. I saw about a dozen arrested in Parliament Square - mostly older women. The police looked embarrassed but into the wagons they went!

Meanwhile:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...rozen-gmfp-psc

At least two grassroots pro-Palestine organisations in the UK have had their bank accounts frozen, raising fears about a wider attempt to silence voices speaking out about Gaza.

Greater Manchester Friends for Palestine (GMFP) and Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), which both organise peaceful protests and vigils, have had access to their funds cut off indefinitely by Virgin Money and Unity Trust bank respectively. The Guardian understands a local PSC branch in England has also had its bank account frozen but was unable to confirm it directly.

Coming amid the banning of Palestine Action earlier this month and the arrest of more than 100 people for showing support for the group, and the threatened arrest of a peaceful protester for having a Palestine flag and “Free Gaza” sign, it has amplified concerns about a crackdown on critics of Israel.

Owen Cooper, co-treasurer of GMFP, said the group, which lists bike-riding among its activities, has been marching peacefully for more than a year and a half without incident or criminal activity but Virgin Money refused to say why its account had been frozen.

“If it’s purely the fact that we have Palestine on the bank account name, I think it’s a very worrying sign,” said Cooper. “It would be not only hugely worrying but hugely disappointing to think that a country that values freedom of speech, that is a liberal democracy can be acting like this and that ordinary, decent people with a conscience are being regarded as extremists.

“What could the bank be thinking that we’ve done? Certainly nothing that the police believe is a crime.”

More 'criminal damage' redefined as terrorism!

https://news.sky.com/story/three-wom...ctory-13399311

More heavy handed stupidity from the police - which is no surprise with the way the proscription has been framed!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...hislop-protest

Madness!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jon1959

Any links to back that claim up?

Maybe I missed it, but I have never seen that alleged anywhere - by the government, by the police or by any section of the media (including the most politically hostile sections).

There is no argument about criminal damage, trespass, and general disruption of businesses that produce arms for Israel or enable the manufacture and use of arms to the IDF for use in Gaza and the West Bank.

But lies.... violence.... 'sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons'? I am sure their activists went equipped to break through gates or fences, and to cause damage to buildings or to spray paint on things. But you are suggesting they ('in at least one of their operations') set out to physically injure other people?

So where has that come from?

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Sorry, I'm a bit late to reply. But their 'action' against elbit in Bristol contained the actions I mentioned. It's been very conveniently forgotten about by the guardian articles. I do think prescription is a bit strong, but with what they've done I wouldn't be surprised if there is intelligence on them being willing to do much worse. Then again it could just be Starmer trying to look tough again (the most likely option).

Couple of links:
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-...ack-arms-firm/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...-firms-uk-site

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisp_1927

Couple of links:
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-...ack-arms-firm/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...-firms-uk-site

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They are goodies though, so how could this be so?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisp_1927

Couple of links:
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-...ack-arms-firm/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...-firms-uk-site

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Thanks for the response and the links. Filton was certainly a significant (and atypical) incident.

I didn't realise the Terrorism Act (and Anti-Terror Police from the SE) were used so much in these prosecutions. One of the original 18 people arrested (5 more were arrested in June this year) was accused of assaulting a police officer who was arresting one of the other activists; more of them were charged with 'violent disorder' which seems to be a catch-all.

The tools/implements you referenced were in one of the linked reports - although it looks as if they were intended to be used to break in to the Elbit factory, one was used in the scuffle with police and factory security.

So I agree in this case the allegation was more than just breaking in and causing 'criminal damage' to an armaments factory. There might also be a charge of assault or ABH.

There were (and still are) existing laws that deal with those kind of incidents - without any need to label it terrorism or to use the full coercive power of the state to suppress direct action and intimidate protestors.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisp_1927

Sorry, I'm a bit late to reply. But their 'action' against elbit in Bristol contained the actions I mentioned. It's been very conveniently forgotten about by the guardian articles. I do think prescription is a bit strong, but with what they've done I wouldn't be surprised if there is intelligence on them being willing to do much worse. Then again it could just be Starmer trying to look tough again (the most likely option).

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Fair comment.

More violent terrorists stopped. These dangerous women won't be holding placards again!

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...s-search-house

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jon1959

More violent terrorists stopped. These dangerous women won't be holding placards again!

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...s-search-house

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What a load of shit those police should have been on the streets for the real criminals

The UK government’s ban on Palestine Action limits the rights and freedoms of people in the UK and is at odds with international law, the UN human rights chief has said.

Volker Türk, the UN human rights commissioner, said ministers’ decision to designate the group a terrorist organisation was “disproportionate and unnecessary” and called on them to rescind it.

In a statement on Friday, he said the ban amounted to an “impermissible restriction” of people’s rights to freedom of expression and assembly that was “at odds with the UK’s obligations under international human rights law”.

He added that the decision restricted the rights of people involved with Palestine Action “who have not themselves engaged in any underlying criminal activity but rather exercised their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association”.

Türk said it could “lead to further chilling effect on the lawful exercise of these rights by many people” and that the UK government should halt any police and legal proceedings against protesters who have been arrested on the basis of the proscription.

The Guardian has contacted the Home Office for comment.

Dozens of people have been arrested for holding placards in support of Palestine Action since the group was proscribed on 5 July.

In a case reported by the Guardian on Thursday, an 80-year-old woman from Somerset was arrested for holding a placard at a pro-Palestine rally and was held by police for almost 27 hours, with officers forcing their way into her house and searching it.

Marianne Sorrell said she felt “very traumatised” after officers removed 19 items from her home, including iPads, a Palestine flag, books on Palestine, material related to Extinction Rebellion and the climate crisis, as well as drumsticks for – and a belt that holds – her samba drum.

In another case, armed police threatened to arrest a 42-year-old woman, Laura Murton, in Kent, for supporting a proscribed organisation because she was holding a Palestinian flag and had signs saying “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide”.

Several UN experts, civil liberties groups, cultural figures and hundreds of lawyers have condemned the ban as draconian and said it sets a dangerous precedent by conflating protest with terrorism. Concern has also been expressed by some Home Office staff.

Ministers proscribed the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 after some of its members broke into a military airfield in June and spray-painted two RAF aircraft. The ban means that being a member of Palestine Action or inviting support for it carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

Palestine Action is the first direct action protest group to be banned under the Terrorism Act, placing it in the same category as Islamic State, al-Qaida and the far-right group National Action.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics...ts-volker-turk

Nice to see the BBC reporting on this too.

Stuff like this just totally undermines institutions like the UN really. The only reason people on here are vocal about is because they are left wing. If it were the other side of politics you would all be calling for them to be banned - as they would have been years ago

Oh FFS :facepalm:

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Originally Posted by stevo

Oh FFS :facepalm:

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When did a UN human rights chief last intervene on such matters?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

When did a UN human rights chief last intervene on such matters?

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Probably not often enough. Genocide is genocide, right?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

When did a UN human rights chief last intervene on such matters?

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Oh FFS :facepalm:




He seems to be very consistent. Which is good.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volker_Türk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevo

Probably not often enough. Genocide is genocide, right?

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Ironically enough I don't think they have formally declared that.

But that has nothing to do with Palestine Action. Whatever the rights and wrongs of something morally, you can't take the law into your own hands.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jon1959

Oh FFS :facepalm:




He seems to be very consistent. Which is good.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volker_Türk

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Thought you would like him!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

Ironically enough I don't think they have formally declared that.

But that has nothing to do with Palestine Action. Whatever the rights and wrongs of something morally, you can't take the law into your own hands.

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Right. So what you’re saying is that until they declare it’s genocide in Gaza you’re happy to assume it’s not? Whatever.

As for Palestine Action - what they’re doing is an act of war. And a just war at that. It is NOT terrorism. Wake up and smell the coffee.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevo

Right. So what you’re saying is that until they declare it’s genocide in Gaza you’re happy to assume it’s not? Whatever.

As for Palestine Action - what they’re doing is an act of war. And a just war at that. It is NOT terrorism. Wake up and smell the coffee.

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I think the legal definition of things does matter tbh.

I speak with my old Man twice a week.
He’s as working class as they come, always voted Labour and been a Union Member, he encouraged me to join The Union that I did in my first proper job after leaving school.

He has now decided to vote Reform and explained to me why.
Yet, He’s still very pragmatic and measured in his views, he really doesn’t like Kier Starmer but believes that it is essential that people get behind him and hope for the best as it’s in the Country’s interest for him to do well. He voted Remain in Brexit and after the vote…we have to go with what the people voted for.

Last night he really let go on the situation of The Palestinian crisis in Gaza which is really unlike him. I think I brought it out of him talking about a few documentaries that I have watched this last week about Yugoslavia.
My Dad calling out the atrocities in Gaza with the passion that he did surprised me.

I’m going to try and take some time to reassess my cynicism of the situation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

I think the legal definition of things does matter tbh.

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So, are you seeing a difference between the legal definition of genocide and what’s happening in Gaza? If so, please explain.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wash DC Blue

I speak with my old Man twice a week.
He’s as working class as they come, always voted Labour and been a Union Member, he encouraged me to join The Union that I did in my first proper job after leaving school.

He has now decided to vote Reform and explained to me why.
Yet, He’s still very pragmatic and measured in his views, he really doesn’t like Kier Starmer but believes that it is essential that people get behind him and hope for the best as it’s in the Country’s interest for him to do well. He voted Remain in Brexit and after the vote…we have to go with what the people voted for.

Last night he really let go on the situation of The Palestinian crisis in Gaza which is really unlike him. I think I brought it out of him talking about a few documentaries that I have watched this last week about Yugoslavia.
My Dad calling out the atrocities in Gaza with the passion that he did surprised me.

I’m going to try and take some time to reassess my cynicism of the situation.

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you mentioned Yugoslavia there

intrigued to know what you mean in relation to the Palestine situation ?

I might be going to Bosnia in a few weeks time i,m 50 50 at the minute

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MOZZER2

you mentioned Yugoslavia there

intrigued to know what you mean in relation to the Palestine situation ?

I might be going to Bosnia in a few weeks time i,m 50 50 at the minute

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This last week I’ve watched a few documentaries about the fall of Yugoslavia including a six part series on BBC IPlayer that I believe was made in 1995.
So before the Kosovo conflict later and before the war crimes tribunal at The Hague.

It has interviews with most of the major players including Milosevic, Tudjman, Radivan Karadzic and Izetbegovic as well as UN Generals, David Owen and The US Ambassador at the time.

It really is compelling viewing but incredibly grim.

I watched another documentary on YouTube which was about 2 and a half hours long which gives a little deeper understanding of how Yugoslavia came to be, The way that Marshal Tito held it together, the Socialist economy that was initially prosperous but eventually failed and how decades if not centuries of resentment of the various ethnicities of each country came to the surface and resulted in genocide, ethnic cleansing and brutality beyond imagination.

Here is the second documentary that I watched, but I’d highly recommend The Fall of Yugoslavia on IPlayer as well.

https://youtu.be/OkQOQUrayxo?si=2xdCCL6uvW1ErKip

And now the police have decided not to arrest peaceful protestors challenging the proscription!

Maybe the stupidity of the situation is finally seeping through to police chiefs. Just needs to reach the government!

https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/202...dmarsdn8syijsb

In a further indication of the chaos and confusion that the proscription of Palestine Action has plunged the police into, eight sign holders in Totnes (including George Monbiot) and three in Edinburgh on Saturday 26 July sat for sixty minutes without being arrested under the Terrorism Act after they joined a nationwide wave of protest as part of the Defend Our Juries’ campaign, Lift The Ban, opposing the Home Secretary’s classification of the direct action group as a ‘terrorist’ organisation.