An article published in the July issue (No. 628) of Scottish Socialist Voice magazine, the publication of the Scottish Socialist Party, regarding the United Kingdom’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, shared with Kaldıraç.
I still find it hard to believe that if I wrote this article today, I could be arrested and face up to 14 years in jail. Indeed, over 1,600 people have been arrested for supporting Palestine Action since the UK government proscribed them as a terrorist group. This is a clear attempt to scare us into silence and submission, but we will not be deterred. The Scottish Socialist Party will continue to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza, and for Netanyahu and his government to be held accountable for their war crimes.
In solidarity
Natalie Reid
Joint National Co-Spokesperson, Scottish Socialist Party
Last week, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that UK campaigning group Palestine Action will be banned through the use of anti-terrorism laws after members of the group broke into Brize Norton airbase and sprayed aircraft with red paint; an act of protest against the UK’s complicity in the Gaza genocide. This means, according to the Labour government, throwing red paint at a building or aircraft is now the equivalent of joining Islamic State or neo-Nazi group National Action.
According to Cooper, “In several attacks, Palestine Action has committed acts of serious damage to property with the aim of progressing its political cause and influencing the government.”
Think of any political cause you’ve taken action on. Whether it’s a pro independence march, a client change demo, or a pro Palestine activity. Were you hoping to progress a political cause? Were you hoping to influence the government to change a policy? Careful, you might just be a terrorist!
The plight of Gaza continues
Let’s not forget that what Palestine Action are protesting against – Israel’s genocide in Gaza. In recent weeks, we’ve seen Palestinians so desperate for food, they are willing to risk their lives to try and get a bag of flour. The bombings, shootings, arrests and abductions continue on a daily basis. Israel have turned their so-called aid sites into shooting galleries. During the 12 days that Israel was at war with Iran nearly 860 Palestinians were murdered. Yet Labour continues to support Israel through supplying weapons and spy planes. Apparently, the line between terrorism and human rights is drawn in red paint. And Labour are standing on the wrong side of it.
The move to brand Palestine Action as terrorists is completely unnecessary – if any of its members commit a serious crime, the police already have the power to arrest them without the use of anti-terror laws. This is not about preventing crime – it’s about intimidation and suppressing dissident voices.
Our right to protest
This extreme move by Labour has implications far beyond the plight of Gaza. Our democratic right to protest plays a crucial role in society. It’s an effective, non-violent way to make our voices heard.
This doesn’t just apply to acts of civil disobedience or disruptive tactics – under the anti-terror laws, it would be illegal for anyone to be a member or promote the group. That means, if a journalist writes in support of Palestine Action, or an individual likes or shares their social media content, they could be prosecuted and face up to 14 years in prison.
Starmer the hypocrite
Trying to follow the logic of this decision could send anyone into a spiral. According to Labour, bombing hospitals and starving people is part and parcel of a state’s right to defend itself, but throwing red paint on an aircraft? Unequivocal terrorism. The decision to brand Palestine Action a terror group came just days after the incident at Brize Norton. It seems Labour can react quickly when it suits them, but Israel’s ongoing genocidal campaign just hasn’t moved them quite as much as that red paint.
In 2003, anti-war activists broke into RAF Fairford, damaging US bombers in order to stop them flying to Iraq. At the time, human rights barrister Keir Starmer argued that the group’s actions were justified as they were an attempt to prevent war crimes. Last week as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer called Palestine Action’s activism “disgusting”.
No justice, no peace
Branding Palestine Action as a terrorist group sets a dangerous precedent. It could mean that any time there’s public outcry against a government initiative or global event, all those in charge need do is brand the opposing organisation as a terrorist group, shutting down the debate and supressing the will of the people. Take Palestine out of the equation and replace it with climate change -were Just Stop Oil terrorists? Or replace Palestine with the WASPI women – should we start putting pensioners in jail when they challenge the government?
Twisting the narrative
Palestine Action chose non-violent means to promote their cause – can Labour really not see the distinction between that and the actions of violent terrorist organisations? Of course they can. What they’re doing is making a deliberate decision to blur the lines, infringe on our rights, and tarnish the reputation of those who dare to call them out.
If you’re more outraged at property damage than you are at the systematic bombing and starvation of an entire population, it may be time to have a check of your morals and principles. Non-violent, civil disobedience is a key part of our democracy. We must continue to exercise our right to protest, our right to disrupt, our right to oppose the ruling class. Labour can’t ban everyone. They can’t throw us all in jail.
