
Palestine Action blocks Israeli defence firm UK site ahead of proscription vote
The group also occupied the rooftop of UK subcontractor Guardtech Group in Suffolk, the spokesperson added.
The action comes as a draft order was laid before Parliament on Monday to amend the Terrorism Act 2000 to include Palestine Action as a proscribed organisation.
If approved, it would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it.
MPs and peers are expected to debate the legislation on Wednesday and Thursday and, if approved, the ban could come into force by Friday.
A Palestine Action spokesperson said: 'While the Government is rushing through Parliament absurd legislation to proscribe Palestine Action, the real terrorism is being committed in Gaza.
'Palestine Action affirms that direct action is necessary in the face of Israel's ongoing crimes against humanity of genocide, apartheid, and occupation, and to end British facilitation of those crimes.'
A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to the Bristol site of Elbit Systems at around 6.30am on Tuesday.
'Officers are responding to a protest involving two people at a premises at the Aztec West Business Park, in Almondsbury,' the spokeswoman said.
'We're committed to facilitating people's right to peaceful protest, but will not tolerate any criminal behaviour.'
Palestine Action is seeking a legal challenge against the Government's bid to proscribe it, with a hearing expected on Friday to decide whether the ban can be temporarily blocked, pending further proceedings to decide whether a legal challenge can be brought.
Commenting on the proscription on Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'The right to protest and the right to free speech are the cornerstone of our democracy and there are countless campaign groups that freely exercise those rights.
'Violence and serious criminal damage has no place in legitimate protests.'
Suffolk Police have been contacted for comment.
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The Independent
28 minutes ago
- The Independent
MPs back proscribing direct action group Palestine Action as terror organisation
MPs have backed the Government's move to ban direct action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, despite warnings it will have a 'chilling effect' on protest. Legislation passed in the Commons on Wednesday, as MPs voted 385 to 26, majority 359 in favour of proscribing the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. The motion is expected to be debated and voted on by the House of Lords on Thursday before it becomes law. If approved, it would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it. Security minister Dan Jarvis told MPs that protesters expressing support for Palestine 'have always been able to, and can continue to do so' as he urged support to ban Palestine Action. He said: 'Palestine Action is not a legitimate protest group. ' People engaged in lawful protest don't need weapons. People engaged in lawful protest do not throw smoke bombs and fire pyrotechnics around innocent members of the public. 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Among those arrested was also a 'man who blocked the gates of Downing Street with his mobility scooter and refused to move to the conditioned area'. A larger than usual number of officers could be seen in the area around Parliament. The Met said the 'significant policing presence in the vicinity of Parliament' was because of its 'responsibility to take action to prevent serious disruption to the life of the community', including by ensuring MPs 'can go about their business free from intimidation or unreasonable interference'. The legislation approved by MPs also bans two white supremacist groups, Maniacs Murder Cult and Russian Imperial Movement, including its paramilitary arm Russian Imperial Legion. The Home Office describes the Maniacs Murder Cult as a neo-Nazi transnational and online organisation which has claimed a number of violent attacks around the world. Russian Imperial Movement is a ethno-nationalist group which aims to create a new Russian Imperial State. Its paramilitary unit fought alongside Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine to advance its ideological cause. It also runs a paramilitary training programme to support attendees to carry out terror attacks, the Home Office added.

Leader Live
31 minutes ago
- Leader Live
MPs back foreign investors owning minority stakes in UK newspapers
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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
A performer was mean at Glastonbury? Well, cry me a river and the sea
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