VIDEO: UK Parliament passes order labeling Palestine Action as terrorist group

British Members of Parliament voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to designate Palestine Action a terrorist organization.

The amendment to the Terrorism Act 2000 passed with 385 votes in favor and 26 against. It includes the proscription of three groups: Palestine Action, the neo-Nazi Maniacs Murder Cult, and the Russia Imperial Movement. The measure now heads to the House of Lords for approval on Thursday. If passed, it will become law at midnight on July 9.

Once enacted, it will be a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, to be a member of, or offer support to, any of the three organizations, unless legal appeals by the groups are successful.

While the government has argued the ban is based on national security assessments, several Labour MPs voiced strong opposition, particularly to the inclusion of Palestine Action in the same category as the other two groups.

They warned the move “threatens basic freedoms and sets a dangerous precedent for political dissent,” arguing that Palestine Action, known for its direct action protests against companies linked to the 'Israeli' military, should be viewed as a campaign group rather than a terrorist threat.

Some MPs acknowledged the group’s history of criminal damage but insisted that its actions did not warrant classification as terrorism. They also criticized the decision to bundle all three organizations into a single vote, which prevented Parliament from considering each on its own merits.