logo
The Palestine Action crackdown

The Palestine Action crackdown

Photo by Vuk Valcic/Getty
Given the news over the weekend that more than 100 pro-Palestine protesters across the country were arrested for allegedly supporting the recently proscribed group Palestine Action, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the UK is teeming with defiant activists determined to flout the law. But on Monday (21 July) outside the Royal Courts of Justice, just a single protester stood dressed in red, white and green, her lonely Palestine flag rippling in the warm breeze. Inside, Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori was attempting to persuade a judge to allow her to challenge the group's proscription at the High Court.
Founded in 2020, Palestine Action embraced direct action protests in order to disrupt the manufacturing of or sale of weapons to Israel. They have blockaded or broken into Israeli weapons factories operating in the UK, spray-painting private property and destroying equipment. Their cause, if not necessarily their methods, has broad support: a recent YouGov poll found 55 per cent of the British public think the UK Government should not approve the supply of parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper raised the prospect of proscription in June after PA campaigners sprayed paint into the engines of two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. On 2 July, 385 MPs to 26 voted in favour of proscribing Palestine Action – the first time a non-violent direct action campaign group had ever been proscribed. On the eve of the group's official proscription two weeks ago, Ammori had argued in this same court for 'interim relief' on that decision (which was denied). Then, hundreds of protesters had furiously chanted their support for the group – as well as their opposition to Israel's war in Gaza – outside the Royal Court, a sea of anger, keffiyehs and signs declaring 'We Are All Palestine Action' spilling down the pavements of Fleet Street.
But by proscribing Palestine Action, the government has made even the suggestion of support for the group a crime under the Terrorism Act 2000. Those arrested holding a sign or wearing a T-shirt with the words 'Palestine Action' can now face up to six months in prison. Those who are found guilty of belonging to the group can now be jailed for up to 14 years.
Over the weekend, protests in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leeds and elsewhere led to the arrests of dozens of protesters, many for simply holding signs that read 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.' Among those arrested under suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 in recent weeks: a vicar, a former government lawyer, various pensioners. On 14 July, Kent police threatened a woman with arrest under the Terrorism Act for brandishing a sign that read 'Free Gaza' yet made no reference to Palestine Action.
But on Monday, there was no trace of defiant crowds outside the Royal Court of Justice. Yael Kahn, the 72-year-old lone demonstrator, told me that she was disappointed but not surprised to be the only one on the street. 'That is the aim of this proscription,' she said. 'It's not aimed just at Palestine Action. Its aim is to silence and cause us all fear.' She's not alone in that assessment. Campaigners, legal experts and politicians I have spoken to have all warned of the 'chilling effect' that the proscription of Palestine Action will have on speech opposing the war in Gaza.
Khan, an Israeli Jew who now lives in London, told me that she has a long history of campaigning on behalf of Palestine. 'You know, the people who're standing today against the genocide in Gaza, I wish they were there in the Second World War when my family was exterminated. You know, that's what we need. We need that humanity. I love the people who are going out of their way and taking time off and finding lots of different ways to protest.'
Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe
Though Kahn's sign didn't have the words 'Palestine Action' on it, it did condemn the proscription of 'PA'. Half a dozen unbothered police officers stood by as we chatted. I asked her if she was worried they would arrest her. 'Don't give them any ideas,' she joked, telling me she had been arrested several times in the past for protesting. But when I asked her if she really had no fear over possibly being charged with a terrorism offence, she turned serious. 'When I know the children are dying from starvation, babies are dying because mothers cannot breastfeed?' she asked. 'I mean, there's no way I can be silent.'
[Further reading: Labour's misguided assault on Palestine Action]
Related
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ibiza Rocks hotel where three Brits died still selling party tickets despite suspension
Ibiza Rocks hotel where three Brits died still selling party tickets despite suspension

Daily Mirror

time26 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Ibiza Rocks hotel where three Brits died still selling party tickets despite suspension

The Ibiza Ricks resort has seen four people die in tragic accidents while staying at the hotel in recent months, with multiple Brits dying in balcony falls The Ibiza hotel where two Brits tragically lost their lives in separate incidents is still flogging party tickets, despite claims they were suspending these events in light of the repeated deadly balcony falls in recent months. ‌ Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, sadly died after falling from his Ibiza Rocks hotel balcony on Monday, July 7. The 26-year-old sadly fell from the sixth floor while away celebrating his birthday. ‌ Just a fortnight later, Gary Kelly, a 19-year-old from Dundee, suffered a fatal fall from the third floor of the same establishment just past midnight. ‌ These twin tragedies followed two other at the Ibiza Rocks resort, including a 33-year-old British woman who died on April 30, and a female Italian tourist, 19, who fell from a balcony just three days earlier. In the wake of these heartbreaking events, Ibiza Rocks had declared a suspension of all festivities. ‌ The hotel expressed its sorrow with the words: "We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred." They continued: "Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations. "The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority. Given the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved, we believe it is right to pause our advertised events programme at this time." ‌ Yet, despite these assurances, tickets for upcoming events, including this Saturday's LoveJuice Ibiza Day Party, are still up for grabs online. Ibiza Rocks is asking punters to pay £17.35 for standard entry and £26 for a Daylife pass, which includes a food and drink voucher. ‌ The hotel is gearing up for its RandB Affair Day Party this Sunday, tipped to be the island's most epic RandB bash, with entry fees matching those of the previous day's festivities. Dizzee Rascal was scheduled to play at the hotel yesterday as part of the venue's '20th birthday celebrations' but that was postponed. However, Rudimental are still set to perform on July 30 for the anniversary, with tickets still available to purchase online. In the wake of Evan's tragic passing, his family and friends have raised serious concerns about the hotel's safety measures, criticising the establishment's handling of the incident. ‌ Evan's mate Blair Robertson blasted the hotel for their eagerness to 'get things back to normal' after the tragedy, reports the Daily Record. He recounted: "Security took us away to front desk. Paramedics didn't arrive for about 30 minutes. Forensic officers didn't speak English. We were just standing there, not knowing what was going on. Reception gave us false hope. ‌ "We heard the jet washes cleaning the ground where Evan died. That was the worst thing for us". Evan's sister Teila also called for 'higher safety precautions', stating: "Once it did happen, the hotel's response was just completely heartbreaking; almost as if it never happened. I pray no other family has to go through this." Following the recent fatalities, Ibiza Rocks shared a safety message on their social media, expressing that their thoughts 'remained with the families' of Evan and Gary. ‌ They wrote: "The tragic incidents of the past few weeks have deeply affected many. We continue to work closely with the authorities, and our thoughts and support remain with everyone impacted. "Much of the hard work that goes into safety and security in hotels and venues across the world happens behind the scenes. With thousands of guests passing through our doors every summer, it takes a collective effort from our team, security and local partners to maximise safety for all. ‌ "In times like these, care matters - but so does action. We have zero tolerance for any behaviour that puts our guests or our team at risk and we are building on the strong work we already do to go even further. "Out of respect and privacy for the people involved, we don't usually comment on individual reports posted online, but that certainly doesn't mean we're not always listening. We're committed to working with anyone who raises solid concerns so that we can establish the facts and take the appropriate steps. "Our hotel remains open and more information on a future events programme will be shared as soon as possible." On the topic of balcony safety, the hotel added: "Balcony safety is something we take very seriously, and our hotel meets all the applicable building regulations. "Alongside that, we're introducing further safety measures and working to raise more guest awareness to help encourage responsible use and keep everyone safe."

Bill Clinton reportedly sent Jeffrey Epstein note for birthday album
Bill Clinton reportedly sent Jeffrey Epstein note for birthday album

The Guardian

time26 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

Bill Clinton reportedly sent Jeffrey Epstein note for birthday album

Donald Trump apparently isn't the only president that sent a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. 'The biggest name in the album' was Bill Clinton, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. The ex-president's letter appeared alongside nearly 50 others, including other prominent celebrities and executives. Last week, the Journal reported that Trump had authored a 'bawdy' letter to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 after he was arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges. The letter was included in an album Epstein's former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell compiled on the occasion of his 50th birthday in 2003. Trump has sued Rupert Murdoch, two Wall Street Journal newspaper reporters and the newspaper's publisher Dow Jones for libel and slander over the reporting. In Thursday's article, the Wall Street Journal provided additional details on the album, including names of some of the nearly 50 people who wrote to Epstein. They reportedly include billionaire investor Leon Black, fashion designer Vera Wang, billionaire media owner Mortimer Zuckerman, billionaire former Victoria's Secret owner Les Wexner, attorney Alan Dershowitz, model scout Jean-Luc Brunel and billionaire former Microsoft executive Nathan Myhrvold. It also includes the British ambassador to the United States and Labour party politician Peter Mandelson in a section titled 'friends'. Epstein's former co-workers, Alan 'Ace' Greenberg and James 'Jimmy' Cayne, who he worked with at the investment firm Bear Stearns in the 1970s, also sent letters. The New York Times confirmed the Wall Street Journal's reporting on Thursday evening. 'The professionally bound birthday book had multiple volumes and included a table of contents,' the Journal reported. According to the newspaper, Clinton's note to Epstein read: 'It's reassuring isn't it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and [illegible word], and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends.' A Clinton spokesperson declined to comment to the Journal, instead referring the paper to a previous statement from the ex-president, saying he had cut ties with Epstein more than a decade before his arrest and was not aware of Epstein's crimes. Trump's letter to Epstein was far from the only note that was sexual in nature, according to documents the Journal reviewed. It describes a poem signed by Black that read 'Blonde, Red or Brunette, spread out geographically / With this net of fish, Jeff's now 'The Old Man and The Sea'', and a note from Wexner that included 'a line drawing of what appeared to be a woman's breasts'. Spokespersons for Black and Wexner declined the Journal's request for comment. A letter from Wang suggested Epstein star on The Bachelor. Wang did not respond to the Journal's requests for comment. And a note from Myhrvold promised photographs from a recent trip to Africa: 'They seemed more appropriate than anything I could put in words.' The images included 'a monkey screaming, lions and zebras mating, and a zebra with its penis visible', the Journal reported. A spokesperson for Myhrvold told the Journal the former Microsoft executive did not recall the submission, only knew Epstein as a donor to scientific research, and that he 'regularly shares photos of and writes about animal behavior'. The letter from Mandelson 'included photos of whiskey and a tropical island', the Journal reported. Mandelson referred to Epstein as 'my best pal' in the note. A spokesperson for Mandelson declined to comment to the Journal. As for the relationship between Trump and Epstein, the Times found that at least once before, Trump had written Epstein an admiring note. 'To Jeff — You are the greatest!' reads an inscription in a copy of Trump's book Trump: the Art of the Comeback, which belonged to Epstein. The message, reviewed by the Times, is signed 'Donald' and dated 'Oct 97' – the month the book came out. The Times also reviewed a previously undisclosed photo of Trump and Epstein with the singer James Brown. It is not clear where the photo was taken. Brown frequently performed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where Trump owned the Taj Mahal casino.

French plan to recognise Palestinian state draws fire from Israel, US
French plan to recognise Palestinian state draws fire from Israel, US

Reuters

time26 minutes ago

  • Reuters

French plan to recognise Palestinian state draws fire from Israel, US

PARIS/WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters) - France intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday in hopes of bringing peace to the region, but the plan drew angry rebukes from Israel and the United States. Macron, who unveiled the decision on X, published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France's intention to press ahead with Palestinian recognition and work to convincing other partners to follow suit. "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine," Macron said. "I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September." Home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities, France will become the first major Western country to recognise a Palestinian state, potentially fuelling a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel. The news sparked anger in Jerusalem and Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision by one of Israel's closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy." In a post on X, he added, "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism," adding that Israel would not allow the establishment of a "Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence." In response, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "strongly rejects (Macron's) plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly." In a post on X, he said, "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." Earlier, Canada also pressed Israel to seek peace, with Prime Minister Mark Carney condemning its "failure to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza" and reiterating support for a two-state solution. Carney also accused Israel of violating international law over the blocking of Canadian-funded aid to civilians in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. "Canada calls on all sides to negotiate an immediate ceasefire in good faith," he added. "We reiterate our calls for Hamas to immediately release all the hostages, and for the Israeli government to respect the territorial integrity of the West Bank and Gaza." In a diplomatic cable in June, the United States said it opposed steps to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state, even saying it could go against U.S. foreign policy interests and draw consequences. In June, Washington's ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said he did not think an independent Palestinian state remained a U.S. foreign policy goal. President Donald Trump has himself expressed doubts about a two-state solution, proposing a U.S. takeover of Gaza in February, that was condemned by rights groups, Arab states, Palestinians and the U.N. as a proposal of "ethnic cleansing". Macron had been leaning towards recognising a Palestinian state for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution alive, despite the pressure not to do so. French officials initially weighed up the move ahead of a United Nations conference, which France and Saudi Arabia had planned to co-host in June to lay out parameters for a roadmap to a Palestinian state, while ensuring Israel's security. The conference was postponed under U.S. pressure and after the 12-day Israel-Iran air war began, during which the closure of regional airspace made it hard for representatives of some Arab states to attend. It was rescheduled and downgraded to a ministerial event on July 28 and July 29, with a second event taking place with heads of state and government on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. The decision to make the announcement ahead of next week's conference aimed to give the French team at the United Nations a framework to work with other countries that are also considering recognising a Palestinian state or have misgivings in doing so. Diplomats say Macron has faced resistance from allies such as Britain and Canada over his push for the recognition of a Palestinian state. About 40 foreign ministers will be in New York next week. Israeli officials have spent months lobbying to prevent what some have called "a nuclear bomb" for bilateral ties. Sources familiar with the matter say Israel's warnings to France have ranged from scaling back intelligence sharing to complicating Paris' regional initiatives - even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank. Israel has been waging a devastating war in Gaza since the Palestinian militant group Hamas' deadly attack on Israel in October 2023 and says recognising a Palestinian state now would be equivalent to rewarding Hamas. Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority's Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said on X that Macron's decision reflected "France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store