Extreme protest movements Just Stop Oil & Palestine Action could be banned like terror groups
HARDCORE protest movements like Just Stop Oil and Palestine Action could be banned like terror groups under proposals due to be unveiled next week.
A major report by the Government’s adviser on political violence will call for restriction orders on extreme protest groups.
Author John Woodcock will recommend they get their own proscription category – like organisations linked to terrorism.
It could be used to restrict the activity of groups that use criminal offences to influence government or public debate.
Things like the destruction of property, causing serious disruption or injury to persons would count against them.
They could be added to the banned list if their activities disrupt democratic institutions or business.
And if their activities are persistent and used to advance a political or ideological cause.
Sanctions could include restricting the group’s right to gather and its ability to raise money.
Mr Woodcock, whose formal title is Lord Walney, said: “Militant groups like Palestine Action and Just Stop Oil are using criminal tactics to create mayhem and hold the public and workers to ransom without fear of consequence.
“Banning terror groups has made it harder for their activists to plan crimes – that approach should be extended to extreme protest groups too.”
His report will also recommend ministers amend regulations to allow police to impose a blanket ban on face coverings as a condition of a protest going ahead.
They would have to be reasonable grounds to believe coverings may be used by protestors to conceal their identity while committing illegal acts.