Yvette Cooper says some supporters unaware of Palestine Action’s true nature
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defends the ban on Palestine Action under terror laws, saying the group is involved in violence amid mass arrests of protesters.
Yvette Cooper said some supporters of Palestine Action are unaware of the group’s full nature, following the weekend arrests of over 500 protesters.
Proscription and arrests
The home secretary defended last month’s ban on the group under terror legislation, which makes membership or support punishable by up to 14 years in prison. She noted tens of thousands have protested lawfully against the Gaza situation without engaging with Palestine Action, which faces charges after causing around £7m in damage to RAF Brize Norton jets.
Government response
Cooper emphasized that the organisation has carried out violent attacks and major criminal damage against national security infrastructure. “There may be people who object to the proscription who don’t know the full nature of this organisation,” she told INLIBER, highlighting court reporting restrictions during ongoing prosecutions.
Human rights and security advice
Amnesty International labelled the mass arrests “deeply concerning”, criticising the broad scope of UK terrorism laws. A prime minister’s spokesman said the ban was based on clear security assessments, with the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre finding Palestine Action responsible for three separate terrorist acts.
Cooper argues the ban on Palestine Action is grounded in solid security advice and the group’s history of violence, warning many may underestimate its threat.
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This topic was reported by BBC News.
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