Internal papers indicate that policymakers enacted a outlawing on the activist network despite obtaining warnings that such action could “inadvertently enhance” the organization’s visibility, as shown in recently uncovered internal briefings.
The assessment report was prepared a quarter before the formal banning of the network, which came into being to take direct action aimed at halt UK arms supplies to Israel.
The document was written three months ago by staff at the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, assisted by counter-terrorism specialists.
Following the headline “In what way might the outlawing of the organisation be perceived by the UK public”, a part of the briefing alerted that a proscription could become a divisive matter.
The document characterized the network as a “limited focused group with lower traditional press attention” in contrast with comparable activist organizations like Just Stop Oil. However, it observed that the group’s protests, and apprehensions of its members, gained publicity.
Officials said that research showed “growing discontent with Israeli military tactics in Gaza”.
In the lead-up to its central thesis, the document mentioned a survey showing that a majority of British citizens felt Israel had overstepped in the conflict in Gaza and that a like percentage supported a prohibition on arms shipments.
“These represent viewpoints around which Palestine Action group forms its identity, acting purposefully to challenge the Israeli weapons trade in the UK,” the document stated.
“In the event that Palestine Action is banned, their public image may unintentionally be enhanced, attracting sympathy among similarly minded members of the public who reject the British role in the Israel’s weapons trade.”
Officials said that the public disagreed with calls from the certain outlets for harsh steps, such as a proscription.
Additional parts of the report cited research indicating the population had a “limited knowledge” regarding Palestine Action.
The document said that “a large portion of the British public are likely presently unaware of the group and would stay that way in the event of a ban or, upon being told, would stay mostly indifferent”.
This proscription under security statutes has led to rallies where thousands have been detained for holding up placards in the streets saying “I am against genocide, I stand with the network”.
This briefing, which was a public reaction study, stated that a proscription under security legislation could increase inter-community tensions and be viewed as government partiality in support of Israel.
The briefing warned policymakers and senior officials that proscription could become “a catalyst for substantial debate and censure”.
One leader of the network, commented that the document’s predictions had materialized: “Knowledge of the matters and support of the group have surged significantly. The ban has been counterproductive.”
The senior official at the point, the minister, announced the proscription in June, immediately after the network’s activists allegedly vandalized property at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Authorities asserted the damage was substantial.
The chronology of the document indicates the proscription was being planned long prior to it was revealed.
Officials were advised that a proscription might be perceived as an attack on civil liberties, with the experts saying that some within government as well as the broader population may view the decision as “a creep of security authorities into the realm of free expression and protest.”
A Home Office official said: “Palestine Action has conducted an growing wave involving vandalism to the UK’s national security infrastructure, intimidation, and alleged violence. These actions puts the wellbeing of the public at danger.
“Judgments on outlawing are carefully considered. Decisions are based on a comprehensive fact-driven system, with assistance from a wide range of experts from various departments, the authorities and the intelligence agencies.”
An anti-terror official commented: “Rulings relating to proscription are a matter for the administration.
“In line with public expectations, national security forces, together with a variety of additional bodies, regularly provide material to the Home Office to support their work.”
The report also revealed that the central government had been paying for regular surveys of community tensions connected to the Middle East conflict.
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