Peers back ban on group but bid faces legal action

A BAN on Palestine Action as a terror group is poised to become law after peers backed the UK Government move at Westminster, but it faces a legal bid to block it.

- PRESS ASSOCIATION REPORTERS

The House of Lords backed proscribing the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 without a vote.

A short time before, a so-called “regret motion” proposed by a Green Party peer criticising the measure was rejected by 144 votes to 16, majority 128.

The ministerial order, which has already been approved by MPs, will make it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it.

However, it is unclear when the ban, which needs final sign-off by the Home Secretary, will come into force as the group is mounting a court challenge to try to temporarily block the move with a hearing scheduled today, pending further proceedings.

The government crackdown comes after two planes were vandalised at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, causing £7m worth of damage, in an action claimed by Palestine Action.

Four people have been charged by counter-terrorism police in connection with the incident and were remanded in custody following a court appearance.