Advisers Cautioned Officials That Banning Palestine Action Could Enhance Its Public Profile
Government briefings reveal that ministers implemented a ban on the activist network notwithstanding receiving advice that such measures could “unintentionally boost” the organization’s visibility, according to recently uncovered official records.
Context
The briefing document was drafted 90 days ahead of the legal outlawing of the organization, which came into being to engage in activism designed to curb UK weapons exports to Israel.
It was drafted last March by officials at the interior ministry and the local governance ministry, assisted by anti-terror policing experts.
Public Perception
Beneath the subheading “How would the banning of the group be viewed by the UK public”, a segment of the briefing alerted that a outlawing could become a polarizing matter.
It described Palestine Action as a “modest focused organization with reduced traditional press exposure” relative to comparable activist groups like other climate groups. But it noted that the network’s activities, and arrests of its members, had attracted media attention.
Officials noted that research showed “increasing discontent with Israeli military methods and actions in Gaza”.
Prior to its central thesis, the report mentioned a poll showing that three-fifths of British citizens believed Israel had overstepped in the conflict in Gaza and that a similar number favored a prohibition on arms shipments.
“These constitute viewpoints around which PAG defines itself, acting purposefully to challenge Israel’s weapons trade in Britain,” it said.
“If that Palestine Action is banned, their public image may unintentionally be amplified, attracting sympathy among sympathetic citizens who disagree with the British role in the Israeli arms industry.”
Other Risks
Officials noted that the public were against calls from the rightwing media for harsh steps, including a ban.
Additional parts of the briefing mentioned research showing the public had a “limited knowledge” concerning the group.
The document said that “much of the UK population are presumably presently uninformed of Palestine Action and would continue unaware if there is a ban or, upon being told, would continue generally untroubled”.
The ban under security statutes has led to protests where numerous people have been apprehended for carrying placards in public declaring “I oppose atrocities, I support the group”.
This briefing, which was a social effects evaluation, stated that a ban under terrorism laws could heighten Muslim-Jewish tensions and be viewed as official favoritism in support of Israel.
The briefing warned policymakers and senior officials that proscription could become “a trigger for major dispute and objections”.
Recent Events
Huda Ammori of Palestine Action, said that the document’s advisories had proven accurate: “Awareness of the matters and support of the group have surged significantly. This proscription has had the opposite effect.”
The home secretary at the period, Yvette Cooper, declared the proscription in last month, right after the group’s members reportedly vandalized property at a military base in the county. Officials asserted the damage was substantial.
The schedule of the document indicates the outlawing was in development well before it was announced.
Ministers were informed that a ban might be regarded as an assault on personal freedoms, with the officials saying that portions of government as well as the general citizenry may view the measure as “a creep of security authorities into the realm of speech rights and activism.”
Government Statements
An interior ministry official stated: “Palestine Action has conducted an increasingly aggressive series entailing property destruction to the nation’s key installations, harassment, and alleged violence. These actions puts the protection of the citizens at risk.
“Rulings on outlawing are not taken lightly. Decisions are informed by a comprehensive evidence-based system, with input from a broad spectrum of advisers from various departments, the authorities and the Security Service.”
An anti-terror law enforcement representative said: “Decisions regarding banning are a matter for the cabinet.
“Naturally, national security forces, in conjunction with a range of other agencies, routinely supply information to the interior ministry to support their operations.”
The report also revealed that the central government had been paying for periodic polls of social friction connected to Israel and Palestine.
