MPs voted to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, with concerns that this could criminalize legitimate protest. The action, outlined by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, also targeted two neo-Nazi groups. The government stated that the move was necessary to prevent recruitment and financial support for terrorism. Critics voiced apprehension that linking Palestine Action with extremist groups could impose undue pressure on political choices. The Home Office insisted the measure wouldn't hinder the right to protest and emphasized the importance of national security.
"By implementing this measure, we will remove Palestine Action's veil of legitimacy, tackle its financial support and degrade its efforts to recruit and radicalise people into committing terrorist activity in its name."
"People engaged in lawful protests don't need weapons. People engaged in lawful protests do not throw smoke bombs and fire pyrotechnics around innocent members of the public."
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