The Government is planning to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under sweeping anti-terrorism laws. The House of Lords backed the move on Thursday without requiring a formal vote.
The decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 would make it illegal for anyone to join or show support for Palestine Action. But the process of proscription involves strict legal criteria and government assessment.
Legal definition of proscription
According to the Government website, the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism and such action is proportionate. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, this means the organisation commits or takes part in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, or promotes and encourages terrorist activities.
The law also covers groups that engage in the unlawful glorification of terrorism or are otherwise concerned in terrorist activities. Once proscribed, it becomes a criminal offence to join the organisation or demonstrate support for it.
Terrorism criteria under the Act
The Terrorism Act defines terrorism as the use or threat of action involving serious violence against people or serious damage to property. It also includes actions that endanger lives, create serious health and safety risks, or disrupt electronic systems.
Such actions must be designed to influence the government or international organisations, or to intimidate the public. Additionally, they must advance a political, religious, racial or ideological cause to qualify as terrorism under the legislation.
Government assessment factors
The Home Secretary considers several factors when determining whether proscription is proportionate to the threat posed. These include the nature and scale of an organisation's activities and the specific threat it poses to the country.
The assessment also examines threats to British nationals overseas, the extent of the organisation's presence in the UK, and the need to support international counter-terrorism efforts. The decision requires balancing these security concerns against proportionality requirements.
Current proscribed organisations
There are currently 81 international terrorist groups proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000, plus 14 organisations in Northern Ireland under previous legislation. Recent additions to the list include Hamas, the Wagner Group, Hizb ut Tahrir and Terrorgram.
Other major organisations on the proscribed list include Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and its various aliases, as well as al Qaida and associated groups.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
