The UK government's ban on Palestine Action as a terrorist group has cleared Parliament after the House of Lords backed the measure without a vote. The ban, already approved by MPs, makes membership or support of the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
However, the ban's implementation is uncertain as Palestine Action is mounting a legal challenge. A hearing is scheduled for Friday to seek a temporary block, pending further proceedings. The final sign-off by the Home Secretary is also required.
The government crackdown follows vandalism of two planes at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, causing £7 million in damage, claimed by Palestine Action. Four people have been charged by counter-terrorism police and remanded in custody.
Home Office minister Lord Hanson defended the move, stating it targets serious property damage and fear, not legitimate protest. He said the ban would remove the group's 'veil of legitimacy' and tackle its support. Critics, including Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb, called it 'draconian overreach' and a threat to civil liberties.
The United Nations has also warned against the ban, with experts concerned about 'unjustified labelling of a political protest movement as terrorist'. The legislation also bans two white supremacist groups: Maniacs Murder Cult and Russian Imperial Movement.
