Seven in 10 Labour members reject Palestine Action ban

Seven in 10 Labour members reject Palestine Action ban
Credit: PA/Stefan Rousseau

UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Poll shows 71% of Labour members oppose British PM Keir Starmer’s Palestine Action ban amid arrests and public debate over the government’s move.

As reported by The Telegraph, a new survey found that most Labour members reject their leader’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action.

What did the survey reveal about Labour members’ views on the Palestine Action ban?

A majority of Labour supporters opposed Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s move to ban Palestine Action.

The group was officially banned on July 1 by the UK government. Being a member or providing support to the Palestine Action can lead to up to 14 years in prison. 

The ban sparked backlash from the Labour Left and public figures like Sally Rooney, who pledged to donate her BBC royalties to the organisation.

A poll of 1,021 Labour members showed 71% opposed the Palestine Action ban. The Survation survey for LabourList revealed only 21% of members supported the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action. 

The survey found 8% of party members remained undecided on the ban. The Survation survey also shows 48% of Labour members back immediate recognition of Palestine by Sir Keir Starmer. 

Another 20% of Labour members said recognition of Palestine should follow a ceasefire and release of Israeli hostages.

What did Damian Lyons Lowe say about Labour members’ stance on the Palestine Action ban?

Damian Lyons Lowe, chief executive of Survation, stated,

“Our polling shows a clear disconnect between Labour’s grassroots and the Government on this issue.”

He added,

“With more than seven in 10 Labour members opposing the proscription, it’s evident that many feel this decision was either disproportionate or politically misjudged against the backdrop of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

How did Sally Rooney plan to support Palestine Action?

Sally Rooney, the author, announced she would use BBC royalties and book sales “to go on supporting Palestine Action.”

During an Irish Times interview, she said sharing the remarks in a British newspaper would violate the law.

What did Labour members think of Sir Keir’s cabinet team?

The latest Survation poll ranks Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall as the least-popular Cabinet member.

Her net approval rating stood at minus 33, down 10 points from last month.

In July, Mr Starmer and Ms Kendall abandoned planned disability cuts after 120 Labour MPs opposed the reforms. 47 Labour MPs voted against the heavily altered plans, which are unlikely to save any money.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves remains the least popular member of Sir Keir’s Cabinet among grassroots supporters. Her net approval rating rose slightly by two points to minus 26.

Ed Miliband, Labour’s Energy Secretary, remains activists’ top choice with a net score of 73. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner follows with 59 points in approval.

Keir Starmer’s views on recognising Palestine

Sir Keri Starmer said,

“Ultimately, the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement. Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, but right now, that goal is under pressure like never before.”

He stated,

“I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution. With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”

Mr Starmer added,

“We’ve been saying for some considerable time now we need to get more aid in volume and at speed, and the situation now is absolutely catastrophic, which is why I’ve taken this decision today in relation to the two-state solution and the recognition of Palestine.”

What Did Yvette Cooper Say About Palestine Action Proscription?

Yvette Cooper said,

“The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation. Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage. It also follows an assessment from the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre that the group prepares for terrorism, as well as concerning information referencing plans and ideas for further attacks, the details of which cannot yet be publicly reported due to ongoing legal proceedings.”

She added,

“Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear – this is not a non-violent organisation. UK national security and public safety must always be our top priority.”

What did Sir David Davis say about Palestine Action arrests?

Ex-Conservative cabinet minister Sir David Davis said the arrests were an “excessive use of counterterrorism law”, adding, “they’ve gone over the top.”

He stated,

“We’ve not really been given any evidence for the reasoning behind proscribing Palestine Action. I mean, they broke in and painted an aircraft, they did not set bombs or anything. So that’s the first question. What was the criteria? And then secondly, should you be arresting lots of people because they support a particular side and put up a banner?”

Mr Davis added,

“The authorities should be more clear cut about why they have proscribed Palestine Action.”

What did Amnesty Chief Sacha Deshmukh say about Palestine Action arrests?

Amnesty International chief executive Sacha Deshmukh stated,

“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right. People are understandably outraged by the ongoing genocide being committed in Gaza and are entitled under international human rights law to express their horror.”

He added, 

“We have long criticised UK terrorism law for being excessively broad and vaguely worded and a threat to freedom of expression. These arrests demonstrate that our concerns were justified.”

Federica Calabrò

Federica Calabrò is a journalist at Parliament News, She is covering Business and General World News. She is a native of Naples, commenced her career as a teller at Poste Italiane before following her passion for dance. Graduating in classical dance, she showcased her talents with two entertainment companies, enchanting audiences throughout Italy. Presently, Federica serves as the general secretary at the Allianz Bank Financial Advisors financial promotion center in Naples. In this capacity, she manages office forms, provides document assistance for Financial Advisors, oversees paperwork for the back office, and ensures smooth customer reception and assistance at the front office. Outside her professional obligations, Federica indulges in her passion for writing in her leisure time.