Labour MP Criticizes Arrests of Protesters Supporting Palestine Action

Protests in support of Palestine Action have led to significant arrests in London, prompting criticism from Labour MP Stella Creasy. Speaking in the House of Commons, Creasy argued that the ongoing arrests of individuals expressing support for the group are becoming increasingly untenable. She emphasized that such actions risk undermining the seriousness of the term terrorism itself.

On Saturday, approximately 890 demonstrators were arrested in Parliament Square, raising the total number of arrests related to similar protests to nearly 1,500 since Palestine Action was proscribed in July 2023. Critics of the arrests, including Creasy, contend that detaining protesters merely for holding placards undermines legitimate expressions of free speech regarding Palestinian rights.

Home Office minister Dan Jarvis defended the government’s stance, stating that those associated with Palestine Action have faced charges including violent disorder and criminal damage. He highlighted that the group’s actions had met the threshold for proscription, asserting that support for a banned organization is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Creasy acknowledged the government’s concerns but argued that the current approach is unsustainable for law enforcement and the justice system. She noted, “There is a difference between people protesting using violence, and people protesting the use of proscription.” She expressed concern that continuing to arrest peaceful protesters could dilute the meaning of terrorism, which is meant to address direct harm and violence.

The controversy follows a series of protests, including a significant incident at RAF Brize Norton, where activists vandalized military aircraft, resulting in damages estimated at £7 million. In total, five individuals have been charged in connection with that event. Creasy pointed out that while violent acts led to the group’s proscription, protests that display support for Palestinian rights should not be conflated with violence.

During the protests on Saturday, police reported that 857 individuals were arrested for showing support for the proscribed group, with an additional 33 facing charges for assaulting officers and other public order offences. These figures prompted discussions among MPs regarding the balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties.

Jarvis reiterated the government’s commitment to allowing peaceful demonstrations. “Anyone who wishes to demonstrate about the humanitarian situation in Gaza has the absolute freedom to gather and voice their views, provided that they do so within the law,” he stated. He further clarified that supporting Palestine does not equate to endorsing a proscribed terrorist organization.

The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions around the right to protest and the implications of proscribing groups deemed to incite violence. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp underscored the importance of peaceful protest, emphasizing that violence can never be justified, regardless of the issue at hand.

As the discussions continue, Creasy has called for clearer guidelines regarding public interest tests for the Crown Prosecution Service and police actions. The Labour MP’s comments have sparked a wider dialogue about the implications of governmental actions on civil liberties and the right to free speech in the context of contentious political issues.