The Metropolitan Police has announced it will resume arresting individuals who show support for Palestine Action, reversing a previous decision made after a High Court ruling deemed the group's proscription unlawful. The reversal comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood prepares to appeal the ruling.
Last month, following the High Court judgment, the Met said it would immediately stop arresting people for such offences under the Terrorism Act but would gather evidence for potential future prosecutions. However, on Wednesday, the force described that statement as an “interim position” and said it had “revised” its enforcement approach.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman stated: “While the high court has found the proscription of Palestine Action to be unlawful, it has confirmed the impact of that judgment will not take effect until the government’s appeal has been considered which could take many months. That means it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action. We must enforce the law as it is at the time, not as it might be at a future date.”
The appeal by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is scheduled to be heard at the Court of Appeal on 28 and 29 April, with the ban remaining in place in the meantime. Harman noted that the Met was forced to take an immediate view after the ruling due to protests outside the court and uncertainty over the appeal process.
Separately, Palestine Action-affiliated protesters who went on hunger strike while in prison awaiting trial have said they are consulting lawyers about taking legal action against prison authorities for alleged medical negligence. A government spokesperson responded that all individuals were managed in line with longstanding policy, including regular medical checks and hospital transfers when deemed appropriate.
