MPs Face Backlash for Supporting Group Facing Terror Designation

Several Members of Parliament are facing criticism for expressing support for Palestine Action, a group currently under consideration for designation as a terrorist organization. The group, which has been active since 2020, recently caused significant damage to two Royal Air Force planes during a break-in at RAF Brize Norton. Following this incident, the Home Secretary announced plans to add the group to the list of banned terrorist organizations. This action could result in lengthy prison sentences for supporters and organizers, placing them in the same category as groups like Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS. Despite the widespread condemnation and the Home Secretary's decision, a number of sitting MPs continue to voice their support for the group's actions.

Among those expressing support are former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Zarah Sultana, two Green Party MPs, and the Westminster leader of Plaid Cymru. Zarah Sultana recently stated, "We are all Palestine Action," a statement that could be considered a criminal offense if made after the group is officially designated as a terrorist organization. Jeremy Corbyn has described the potential proscription of Palestine Action as a "draconian" measure and an "authoritarian crackdown." Richard Burgon, another Labour MP, argued that proscribing Palestine Action is a dangerous step.

Other MPs, including Diane Abbott, Kim Johnson, Ellie Chowns, and Apsana Begum, have also voiced their support. Diane Abbott stated that the government is confused between protest and terrorism, claiming that Israel's actions constitute terrorism while Palestine Action's actions are protest. Kim Johnson argued that Palestine Action targets property, not lives, and that the move is a dangerous attack on civil liberties. Ellie Chowns described the move to add Palestine Action to the terror organization list as an overreaction. Apsana Begum stated that proscribing Palestine Action while continuing to send arms to Israel is unjustifiable.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the MPs who support Palestine Action, stating that the group uses violence, intimidation, and criminal damage to achieve its political goals. He emphasized that such methods are not acceptable in the UK and that those who support Palestine Action's violent methods are advocating for mob rule.