"The official said there was already confusion among counter-terrorism police, officials and in schools and hospitals as a result of the proscription of the direct action group, which makes being a member of or showing support for it a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act. They expressed concern about people involved in Palestine advocacy but not supportive of Palestine Action being wrongly labelled as extremist and people who have expressed support for Palestine Action being referred to Prevent when they do not pose any threat."
"I'm concerned about a surge in referrals to the Prevent system that might have a link to Palestine advocacy in light of the fact that this very high profile group is now proscribed, and the confusion there might be on the frontline in schools and healthcare settings and all the other places that are expected to make Prevent referrals. I've heard senior counter-terrorism police people say that they are already seeing on the frontline concerns about this come up"
The proscription of Palestine Action makes membership or showing support for the group a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act. Counter-terrorism police, officials, schools and hospitals are reporting confusion about the implications of the ban and whether to refer people under the Prevent duty. Concerns exist that people engaged in Palestine advocacy but not supportive of Palestine Action could be wrongly labelled extremist, while some who express support could be referred to Prevent despite not posing a threat. A legal challenge to the ban will be heard. Figures published earlier this month showed referrals rose 27% in the year to March 2025.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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