Labour MP Condemns Terror Label for Palestine Action

Labour MP Clive Lewis voices strong opposition to the UK government’s decision to designate protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation — a move he calls dangerous, disproportionate, and politically motivated.

Speaking from his constituency in Norwich South, Lewis criticises both the government and his own party for endorsing the designation. He argues that Palestine Action’s direct action campaigns, largely non-violent in nature, do not meet the threshold for terrorism and that branding peaceful protesters as extremists represents a serious erosion of civil liberties and democratic dissent.

Lewis draws a stark contrast with the events in Southport last summer, where violent, racist riots erupted following a series of stabbings — yet no groups associated with that unrest were banned or proscribed. He points out the inconsistency in applying anti-terror measures, suggesting that the real motivation lies in silencing criticism of British complicity in Israeli military actions, particularly as opposition to the war in Gaza grows.

The MP also warns that such actions risk legitimising far-right narratives and handing political capital to parties like Reform UK, who will see this authoritarian turn as validation of their worldview. Lewis argues that cracking down on protest will not win back voters but instead alienate many who see this as an attack on basic democratic freedoms.

This is a vital conversation about protest, state power, and the right to speak out — especially in a political moment where solidarity with Palestine is growing and public trust in government decision-making is under strain.

Like PoliticsJOE? We need your support: