Home Office Staff Concerned Over Ban on Palestine Action Under UK Anti-Terrorism Laws

Home Office staff are concerned about the decision to ban Palestine Action under UK anti-terrorism laws, a senior civil servant has said.

On Monday the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced plans to ban the group, making membership or support for it a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

It would be the first time a direct action protest group has been classified as a terrorist organization, joining groups like Islamic State, al-Qaida, and National Action. The move has been criticized as draconian by many protest groups, civil society organizations, and politicians.

A senior Home Office official expressed concerns about proscribing Palestine Action, stating that the decision has created tension and concern within the department. Colleagues are questioning the decision to treat a non-violent protest group as a terrorist organization and the potential misuse of anti-terror laws for political purposes.

In September last year, the UK suspended some arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Critics argue that more action is needed.

After recent protests by Palestine Action, arrests were made, and the group accused the government of cracking down on non-violent protests that disrupt arms flow to Israel during the conflict in Palestine.

The proscription order will be presented to parliament and, if approved, will take effect on Friday.

The Home Office declined to comment further and referred to Cooper's statement.

According to the source: The Guardian.