Campaigners say peaceful sign-holders face disproportionate charges

ACTION at the Ministry of Justice in London yesterday has triggered fresh scrutiny of the UK Government’s decision to pursue terrorism-related charges against supporters of the Lift The Ban campaign, with activists and civil liberties groups warning that the policy is creating uncertainty across Wales.

From 1:00pm on Thursday, around 50 people were arrested outside the Ministry of Justice while sitting quietly with cardboard signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” The action took place in near-freezing temperatures and forms part of a coordinated wave of protests across twenty towns and cities ahead of a Judicial Review set for 25–27 November.

Campaigners say the focus on the Ministry of Justice is deliberate, as the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has authorised prosecutions of almost 200 peaceful demonstrators under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Six people linked to the movement are also reported to be on hunger strike in UK prisons, with supporters claiming they have been held on remand beyond normal time limits.

Lord Hermer, a former human rights barrister who previously worked alongside Keir Starmer at Doughty Street Chambers, has faced questions about how the prosecutions align with his earlier warnings about the dangers of undermining international law. The Ministry of Justice oversees the court system, where—if the Judicial Review fails—thousands of defendants could face rapid, short hearings for holding signs.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said those taking action “pose no threat to the public” and accused the government of “using terror legislation in cases where peaceful protest is being targeted.”

Mixed response from police forces

The latest round of arrests has highlighted inconsistencies in how different UK police forces are responding. All nine Lift The Ban protests in England and Wales on Tuesday saw arrests, including in Aberystwyth, where local police intervened after several hours.

However, Police Scotland made no arrests at the corresponding action in Edinburgh, and officers in Derry, Totnes, Truro and Kendal have previously allowed sign-holders to continue without intervention. Campaigners say this disparity demonstrates that the proscription of Palestine Action is “unenforceable,” noting that 95 people who took part in Tuesday’s actions were not arrested.

Concerns were also raised after Devon and Cornwall Police—who had not made arrests at earlier actions—detained participants this week. Activists described a “coordinated response,” though police forces maintain operational independence from central government.

One protest on Thursday even saw officers detain a mannequin displaying one of the prohibited signs.

What’s happening here in Wales?

In Wales, the action in Aberystwyth is one of several protests held this month, with another planned for Cardiff on Saturday 29 November. Campaigners in Wales say the arrests have caused “significant public concern” and have called for greater clarity from the Home Office and Ministry of Justice about how terrorism legislation is being applied.

Civil liberties groups note that Wales has seen an increase in political demonstrations connected to the conflict in Gaza, with local organisations emphasising the importance of maintaining the right to peaceful protest.

Further protests are scheduled in the run-up to the Judicial Review:

More than 2,200 people have been arrested under terrorism legislation during Lift The Ban actions, which involve participants holding handwritten signs. Around 170 have been charged so far. The campaign is calling for the government to lift the proscription of Palestine Action and to formally recognise the situation in Gaza as genocide.

The government’s decision to proscribe the group has recently been criticised by UN experts, security specialists and members of an official advisory panel, who warned it could inflame community tensions and risk appearing politically motivated.

A number of activists held on remand are now engaged in a rolling hunger strike in prisons in England, including individuals connected to the so-called Filton 24 and Brize Norton Five cases. Supporters say they are being detained under extended pre-trial conditions despite not being charged with terror offences.

The Ministry of Justice and Home Office have insisted that all decisions relating to arrest, charging and proscription are taken in accordance with UK law and national security assessments. Ministers say terror legislation remains necessary to prevent serious harm and protect public safety.

The Attorney General’s office has been approached for comment.