Member

There are a range of views in this House, and, of course, in the country, over the proscription of Palestine Action. Whether it was right or wrong, it is undeniable that the measure and its impact have been divisive and controversial. The sight of people being arrested and charged for holding up signs is uncomfortable, whether or not you blame the law, the police or the protesters themselves. While there is a legal basis for the serious economic damage encapsulated in the definition of terrorism in the 2000 Act, I hazard that there is not great public support or understanding for branding as terrorists those whose methods are largely limited to the intimidation that comes from criminal damage.