The Crisis Room Will proscribing Palestine Action backfire on the Government?
Jul 3, 2025
David Anderson, a former reviewer of Terrorism Legislation in the UK and crossbench peer, joins the discussion on the government's controversial decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist group. He explains the risks of curbing legitimate protest and the broader implications for civil rights. The conversation also touches on the difficulty of defining terrorism and reflects on the challenges journalists face when covering banned organizations. Lastly, the pause in U.S. military aid to Ukraine raises questions about international relations and NATO's stability.
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Banning National Action Experience
- Amber Rudd recounted banning the extreme right-wing terrorist group National Action as Home Secretary.
- She highlighted the seriousness of banning groups and how associated activities become criminal offences.
Early Meeting with Hamas Official
- Marc Polymeropoulos shared meeting a Hamas political official in Gaza decades ago.
- This demonstrated earlier US diplomatic engagement with Hamas which has since changed.
Legal Scope of Terrorism Definition
- UK’s terrorism definition covers serious damage to property for political aims.
- Palestine Action fits legally, but the impact of banning on public reaction remains uncertain.