Jails scramble for cells ahead of Gaza protest

PRISON chiefs will clear cells amid fears Palestine Action supporters are planning to continue breaking terror laws for months.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor By Katie Harris

PEOPLE must “stay away” from a rally in support of proscribed terror group Palestine Action rally, the Culture Secretary has warned.

Organisers Defend Our Juries claim more than 500 people will risk arrest by the Metropolitan Police by voicing their backing.

The campaign group said those taking part will hold “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” signs.

Palestine Action was banned last month after members broke into an RAF base in June, causing £7million worth of damage.

Lisa Nandy said yesterday: “Policing is obviously an operational matter. It wouldn't be right for us to try and dictate to them how they police any march. Just last week I was coming out of Parliament and there were lots of pro-Palestinian protesters peacefully demonstrating.

“That's absolutely right and proper and important.

“There’s a difference between that and supporting a proscribed terror organisation that wishes harm on the British people. I would urge people to stay away.”

More than 200 people have been arrested on suspicion of backing Palestine Action since the Government outlawed it.

Scotland Yard has vowed to arrest demonstrators expressing their backing for the organisation at a planned march on Saturday after it was proscribed as a terror group.

Organisers yesterday declared they will mount more protests in “September and October until the law is struck down”.