UK Parliament Votes to Proscribe Palestine Action as Terrorist Group
Published 2 July 2025
Highlights
- UK MPs voted 385 to 26 to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000.
- The order also bans the Maniacs Murder Cult and the Russian Imperial Movement, both neo-Nazi groups.
- Legal action is underway to challenge the order, with a High Court hearing scheduled for Friday.
- Critics argue the move risks criminalizing legitimate protest, likening it to historical overreach.
- Four arrests were made during a protest outside Westminster following the parliamentary vote.
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Rewritten Article
UK Parliament Votes to Proscribe Palestine Action as Terrorist Group
In a decisive move, the UK Parliament has voted to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, a decision that has sparked significant debate over the boundaries of legitimate protest. The legislation, which passed by a substantial majority of 385 votes to 26, amends the Terrorism Act 2000 and is expected to be signed into effect by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper later this week.
Proscription Order Details
The proscription order not only targets Palestine Action but also includes the Maniacs Murder Cult and the Russian Imperial Movement, both identified as neo-Nazi groups. Once enacted, supporting or being a member of these groups will be punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis emphasized that the measure aims to dismantle the group's financial support and recruitment efforts, stating, "Palestine Action is not a legitimate protest group."
Legal and Public Reactions
The decision has not gone unchallenged. Legal proceedings are set to begin with a High Court hearing on Friday, as Palestine Action seeks to temporarily block the order. Critics, including independent MP Zarah Sultana, argue that the move is an overreach, likening it to historical instances of state overreach. Sultana highlighted that the group consists of "ordinary people" and questioned the use of the Terrorism Act for actions like spraying red paint on military equipment.
Protests and Arrests
Following the parliamentary vote, protests erupted outside Westminster, resulting in four arrests. The Metropolitan Police reported that the arrests were made for breaching Public Order Act conditions, which were implemented to prevent serious disruption. Among those detained was a man who blocked Downing Street's gates with a mobility scooter.
Government's Stance
Despite the backlash, the government remains firm in its stance. Jarvis dismissed claims of political convenience, asserting that the proscription is necessary for national security. He reiterated that the move does not impinge on the right to protest, as long as it remains within legal boundaries.
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Scenario Analysis
The legal challenge posed by Palestine Action could lead to a significant judicial review of the proscription order, potentially setting a precedent for how protest groups are classified under terrorism legislation. If the High Court rules in favor of Palestine Action, it may prompt a reevaluation of the criteria used to designate organizations as terrorist groups. Politically, the decision could influence future legislative measures concerning protest and civil disobedience, especially if public opinion sways against the government's approach. As the situation unfolds, the balance between national security and the right to protest will likely remain a contentious issue in UK politics.
In a decisive move, the UK Parliament has voted to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, a decision that has sparked significant debate over the boundaries of legitimate protest. The legislation, which passed by a substantial majority of 385 votes to 26, amends the Terrorism Act 2000 and is expected to be signed into effect by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper later this week.
Proscription Order Details
The proscription order not only targets Palestine Action but also includes the Maniacs Murder Cult and the Russian Imperial Movement, both identified as neo-Nazi groups. Once enacted, supporting or being a member of these groups will be punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis emphasized that the measure aims to dismantle the group's financial support and recruitment efforts, stating, "Palestine Action is not a legitimate protest group."
Legal and Public Reactions
The decision has not gone unchallenged. Legal proceedings are set to begin with a High Court hearing on Friday, as Palestine Action seeks to temporarily block the order. Critics, including independent MP Zarah Sultana, argue that the move is an overreach, likening it to historical instances of state overreach. Sultana highlighted that the group consists of "ordinary people" and questioned the use of the Terrorism Act for actions like spraying red paint on military equipment.
Protests and Arrests
Following the parliamentary vote, protests erupted outside Westminster, resulting in four arrests. The Metropolitan Police reported that the arrests were made for breaching Public Order Act conditions, which were implemented to prevent serious disruption. Among those detained was a man who blocked Downing Street's gates with a mobility scooter.
Government's Stance
Despite the backlash, the government remains firm in its stance. Jarvis dismissed claims of political convenience, asserting that the proscription is necessary for national security. He reiterated that the move does not impinge on the right to protest, as long as it remains within legal boundaries.
What this might mean
The legal challenge posed by Palestine Action could lead to a significant judicial review of the proscription order, potentially setting a precedent for how protest groups are classified under terrorism legislation. If the High Court rules in favor of Palestine Action, it may prompt a reevaluation of the criteria used to designate organizations as terrorist groups. Politically, the decision could influence future legislative measures concerning protest and civil disobedience, especially if public opinion sways against the government's approach. As the situation unfolds, the balance between national security and the right to protest will likely remain a contentious issue in UK politics.
