Advisers Alerted Policymakers That Banning Palestine Action Could Enhance Its Popularity
Government documents show that ministers enacted a proscription on Palestine Action even after receiving counsel that such steps could “unintentionally boost” the group’s profile, as shown in newly obtained government briefings.
The Situation
The assessment document was written 90 days prior to the official proscription of the group, which came into being to take direct action aimed at curb UK weapons exports to Israel.
The document was written three months ago by personnel at the interior ministry and the housing and communities department, assisted by national security policing experts.
Public Perception
Following the headline “In what way might the outlawing of the organisation be regarded by the UK public”, one section of the briefing alerted that a outlawing could prove to be a controversial matter.
It described Palestine Action as a “small single issue organization with reduced general news attention” in contrast with similar direct action movements including environmental activists. Yet it highlighted that the organisation’s direct actions, and detentions of its members, received publicity.
The advisers noted that polling indicated “increasing discontent with IDF tactics in Gaza”.
Leading up to its central thesis, the report mentioned a poll showing that a majority of Britons thought Israel had overstepped in the hostilities in Gaza and that a similar number favored a prohibition on arms shipments.
“These are positions based on which PAG defines itself, campaigning directly to challenge Israel’s arms industry in the United Kingdom,” officials wrote.
“Should that the group is outlawed, their profile may accidentally be boosted, gaining backing among similarly minded citizens who oppose the British role in the the nation’s military exports.”
Further Concerns
Officials stated that the general populace were against calls from the conservative press for tough action, including a ban.
Additional parts of the report mentioned research showing the public had a “general lack of awareness” regarding the group.
Officials wrote that “a large portion of the UK population are probably at this time unaware of Palestine Action and would stay that way in the event of outlawing or, if informed, would continue generally unconcerned”.
The ban under anti-terror legislation has sparked protests where many individuals have been arrested for holding up signs in open spaces saying “I oppose mass killings, I stand with the network”.
The document, which was a community impact assessment, said that a proscription under terrorism laws could escalate inter-community strains and be seen as official partiality in favour of Israel.
Officials cautioned ministers and high-level staff that outlawing could become “a catalyst for significant debate and censure”.
Post-Ban Developments
One leader of Palestine Action, stated that the briefing’s advisories had come true: “Understanding of the issues and backing of the organization have surged significantly. The ban has backfired.”
The senior official at the point, the minister, announced the ban in last month, shortly following the group’s activists reportedly vandalized property at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Authorities stated the harm was significant.
The schedule of the document demonstrates the ban was being planned long prior to it was announced.
Ministers were told that a ban might be regarded as an assault on personal freedoms, with the officials saying that portions of the cabinet as well as the general citizenry may see the measure as “an expansion of security authorities into the realm of liberty and activism.”
Government Statements
A Home Office spokesperson stated: “The group has conducted an escalating campaign including property destruction to the UK’s key installations, coercion, and reported assaults. That activity places the protection of the population at risk.
“Decisions on banning are thoroughly evaluated. These are informed by a robust evidence-based system, with contributions from a broad spectrum of experts from various departments, the authorities and the MI5.”
A counter-terrorism law enforcement representative stated: “Decisions concerning outlawing are a responsibility for the cabinet.
“As the public would expect, anti-terror units, together with a range of other agencies, consistently offer data to the department to aid their efforts.”
The document also disclosed that the central government had been funding regular polls of public strain associated with the regional situation.