Former Wales secretary opposes bid to proscribe Palestine Action
A Labour former Northern Ireland and Wales secretary has warned that he would have been “stigmatised as a terrorist today rather than vilified” when he led an anti-Apartheid “militant” campaign.
Speaking during a debate motion to approve proscription of the Palestine Action group later today, Lord Hain said: “I support the right of Israel to exist and for Israelis to enjoy full security. I’m also a longstanding supporter of Palestinian rights and self-determination in their own state.
“I was vehemently opposed to the antisemitism tolerated under Jeremy Corbyn’s ill-fated leadership, and as far as I remember, I’ve never participated in any Palestine Action protest nor been any on its platforms.”
Direct action
Opposing the move to ban Palestine Action, Lord Hain later added: “In 1969-70, I was proud to lead a militant campaign of direct action to disrupt all-white, racist South African rugby and cricket tours, and we successfully succeeded in getting them stopped for two decades.
“No doubt, I would have been stigmatised as a terrorist today rather than vilified as I was then.
“That militant action could have been blocked by this motion, as could other anti-Apartheid activity, including militant protests to stop Barclays bank recruiting new students on university campuses, eventually forcing Barclays to withdraw from Apartheid South Africa.
“Remember also that Nelson Mandela himself was labelled a terrorist by the Apartheid government, by British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, by the United States and other western governments during much of the Cold War.”
‘Chilling effect’
MPs backed the UK Government’s move to ban direct action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation on Wednesday, despite warnings it will have a “chilling effect” on protest.
Legislation passed in the Commons, as MPs voted 385 to 26, majority 359 in favour of proscribing the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.
If the motion is approved, it would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it.
Security minister Dan Jarvis told MPs yesterday that protesters expressing support for Palestine “have always been able to, and can continue to do so” as he urged support to ban Palestine Action.
He said: “Palestine Action is not a legitimate protest group”.
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Nice gesture from a decent gentleman.
Peter Hain is indeed a decent man, and I agree with him on this. These people are just slug-witted champagne socialists. Just prosecute them accordingly if they break the law whilst acting out their tantrums. Champagne socialists don’t generally handle consequences very well. I see one of the two Brize Norton idiots lived in a £1.3 million house with Daddy: a spell in prison should nicely balance his world view.
Spot on there Adrian. Most of these issue driven f**kwits are funded by serious wealth and are passing through their extended phase of crass stupidity before settling into a cushy number of their choice. They are the enemies of the people not their allies.
You and Adrian have some strong views on the members of this group yet neither of you condemn the genocide in Palestinine.
I wasn’t a fan of the New Labour government he was part of but I met him a number of times when he was my MP, and he was friendly, decent, interested and always had time for people.
I’ve met a number of politicians over the years including the current Plaid leader and I can’t think of any I’d describe in that way!
Exactly my experience Mr Jones: he was my MP too. I have no particular look on politicians, but Peter Hain frequently took time out to support local enterprise or to speak up on local issues, and he would always stop to talk to people. Nice fella.
Peter Hain reverting to sensible in his old age. Must be his wife’s influence.
Would be interested to know if the security services have any evidence this group has connections with domestic or overseas counties or groups which do indulge in harm to person or persons? Only this can justify a ban under terrorism legislation. Otherwise there are plenty of laws resulting in imprisonment for any individuals for acts against property, and that includes stuff like antisemitism. I also question the security at MoD establishments to protect against incursion, this is a major failure that would be better addressed than passing laws against people who say obnoxious things.