Galileo's recantation and Palestine Action
My MP sent me a long email explaining the government's reasons for proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. In my reply, I cited Galileo, who said, 'And yet it moves', when the religious authorities of his day insisted that the sun goes round the Earth and forced him to recant his view that the Earth goes round the sun.
For the record, I do not support Palestine Action because, like Galileo, I have been forced to recant the truth. And yet … criminal damage is criminal damage, not terrorism, and a direct-action protest group is not a terrorist organisation.
It is ironic that religious people should now take inspiration from Galileo, when decrying the Orwellian doublespeak of the secular authorities of our own day.
Jones argues that the Labour government has crossed a Rubicon by this proscription. Well, they're not the only ones, since I am resolved, with regret, never to vote Labour ever again.Rev Canon Dr Rob KelseyNorham, Northumberland
Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Nigel Farage urges Chancellor not to hike gambling taxes for horse racing
Farage's comments come after a horse racing insider voiced fears Labour could 'destroy' the industry NIGE TURF WAR Nigel Farage urges Chancellor not to hike gambling taxes for horse racing Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NIGEL Farage enjoys Glorious Goodwood yesterday — as he called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to not hike gambling taxes. The Reform UK leader warned of enormous damage if the 15 per cent duty is aligned to the 21 per cent for online casino-style games. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Reform leader Nigel Farage has warned that horse racing should be separated from the proposed Labour bill Credit: David Hartley He said: 'I do think horse racing is different. "You're making an individual decision each time to have a bet. "There are checks and safeguards in place already.' The racing industry says finances will be badly hurt if the current rate is increased for online games. A Treasury consultation on the issue has now closed. He was speaking out as he attended the West Sussex racecourse as a guest of Scottish Dubai-based businessman Dr James Hay, who has previously donated to the Tory party. His wife Fitriani has also given £50,000 to Reform UK last year. Horse trainer John Gosden has warned British horse racing will be harmed by the punishing new betting tax. "I don't want to see our industry destroyed. It would be tragic. We are world leaders." Nigel Farage on leading the polls, being 'ready' to be PM & why he 'hopes people hate him'
The Sun
19 minutes ago
- The Sun
Trump's team ‘concerned' after it emerged a secret Government unit silenced critics of migrant hotels
DONALD Trump's team are 'greatly concerned' after it emerged a secret Government unit silenced critics of migrant hotels. Staff working for Technology Secretary Peter Kyle asked social media firms to remove posts critical of asylum hotels and 'two-tier policing'. 2 Tech giants, including TikTok, were warned the posts were 'exacerbating tensions' on the streets after the Southport riots. A US State Department spokesman said: 'President Trump has taken a strong stand defending free speech. "We are monitoring developments in the UK closely and with great concern.' Nigel Farage this week demanded an apology after the TEch Secretary sensationally claimed he is "on the side" of paedos like Jimmy Savile. Peter Kyle sparked a blazing row by alleging the Reform Party leader's vow to repeal online safety laws amounts to backing predators gaining access to children. Mr Kyle declared: 'If Jimmy Savile were alive today, he'd be perpetrating his crimes online. "And Nigel Farage is saying he's on their side.' Furious at the inflammatory accusation, Mr Farage hit back, branding the comments "disgusting" and demanding a retraction. He fumed: "Peter Kyle's comments on Sky News are disgusting. "He should do the right thing and apologise." However, the Tech Secretary refused to back down, stating: "If you want to overturn the Online Safety Act you are on the side of predators. "It is as simple as that."
The Sun
19 minutes ago
- The Sun
Nigel Farage urges Chancellor not to hike gambling taxes for horse racing
NIGEL Farage enjoys Glorious Goodwood yesterday — as he called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to not hike gambling taxes. The Reform UK leader warned of enormous damage if the 15 per cent duty is aligned to the 21 per cent for online casino-style games. 2 He said: 'I do think horse racing is different. "You're making an individual decision each time to have a bet. "There are checks and safeguards in place already.' The racing industry says finances will be badly hurt if the current rate is increased for online games. A Treasury consultation on the issue has now closed. He was speaking out as he attended the West Sussex racecourse as a guest of Scottish Dubai-based businessman Dr James Hay, who has previously donated to the Tory party. His wife Fitriani has also given £50,000 to Reform UK last year. Horse trainer John Gosden has warned British horse racing will be harmed by the punishing new betting tax. "I don't want to see our industry destroyed. It would be tragic. We are world leaders." Nigel Farage on leading the polls, being 'ready' to be PM & why he 'hopes people hate him' 2
