British Trade Unions Demand Government to Reconsider Ban on Palestine Action
The Trades Union Congress, representing over 5.5 million union members, calls for the revocation of the ban citing concerns over civil liberties and heavy-handed policing.
LONDON: The British trade unions have called upon the UK government to reconsider its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under antiterrorism laws.
This move follows an outcry from various quarters, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which recently concluded its annual conference in Brighton.
In July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government banned Palestine Action due to allegations that group members were involved in damaging jets at a military base.
As a consequence of this ban, public displays of support for the group are outlawed, leading to the arrest of hundreds of protesters at demonstrations over the summer.
Specifically, over 800 protesters were arrested in London alone last weekend.
The TUC, which represents 47 unions and approximately 5.5 million members, voted unanimously at its conference to demand that the government 'repeal the authoritarian proscription of Palestine Action.' This stance reflects growing tensions between Starmer's government and traditionally left-wing groups allied with the Labour Party, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza.
Many Labour MPs have expressed anger over the lack of action from UK authorities against Israel.
The TUC's call to overturn the ban on Palestine Action was part of an amendment to a broader motion urging the UK authorities to help secure an urgent ceasefire agreement and facilitate aid delivery into Gaza.
This motion was proposed by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCSU), which represents civil servants, and also calls for the government to 'uphold and strengthen the right to peaceful protest following the arrest of activists.'
Martin Cavanagh, president of the PCSU, argued that "the proscription represents a significant abuse of counterterrorism powers and a direct attack on our rights to protest against the genocidal Israeli regime".
He further criticized the heavy-handed policing since the ban was implemented.
The dispute highlights the escalating conflict between Palestinian supporters and the UK government's stance on such issues, showcasing a rift within Labour ranks over Israel's actions and how they should be addressed by Western governments.
This move follows an outcry from various quarters, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which recently concluded its annual conference in Brighton.
In July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government banned Palestine Action due to allegations that group members were involved in damaging jets at a military base.
As a consequence of this ban, public displays of support for the group are outlawed, leading to the arrest of hundreds of protesters at demonstrations over the summer.
Specifically, over 800 protesters were arrested in London alone last weekend.
The TUC, which represents 47 unions and approximately 5.5 million members, voted unanimously at its conference to demand that the government 'repeal the authoritarian proscription of Palestine Action.' This stance reflects growing tensions between Starmer's government and traditionally left-wing groups allied with the Labour Party, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza.
Many Labour MPs have expressed anger over the lack of action from UK authorities against Israel.
The TUC's call to overturn the ban on Palestine Action was part of an amendment to a broader motion urging the UK authorities to help secure an urgent ceasefire agreement and facilitate aid delivery into Gaza.
This motion was proposed by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCSU), which represents civil servants, and also calls for the government to 'uphold and strengthen the right to peaceful protest following the arrest of activists.'
Martin Cavanagh, president of the PCSU, argued that "the proscription represents a significant abuse of counterterrorism powers and a direct attack on our rights to protest against the genocidal Israeli regime".
He further criticized the heavy-handed policing since the ban was implemented.
The dispute highlights the escalating conflict between Palestinian supporters and the UK government's stance on such issues, showcasing a rift within Labour ranks over Israel's actions and how they should be addressed by Western governments.
