Ban on Palestine Action would have ‘chilling effect’ on other protest groups

Proscribing organisation under anti-terrorism laws raises stakes amid already increased powers to stop protests

The crackdown on protest in England and Wales has been ringing alarm bells for years, but the decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws raises the stakes dramatically.

As the group itself has said, it is the first time the government has attempted to proscribe a direct action protest organisation under the Terrorism Act, placing it alongside the likes of Islamic State, al-Qaida and National Action.