The Government has proscribed Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The NEU strongly condemns this decision, which is a grave misuse of Government power and is a deeply worrying escalation in the Government's curtailing of the right to protest. The right to protest and to express opposition to the Government has been essential in securing social progress in our country.
Freedom of speech must be jealously guarded in a healthy democracy. It is essential that citizens can raise their voices and can take actions to demonstrate against Isreal's egregious breaches of international law and total disregard of humanitarian norms and civilian population rights.
In schools, we teach students about the moments in history when citizens have protested against wars and oppression, from Greenham common, to anti- Vietnam war protests, to the direct action taken by the Suffragettes.
Legislation already exists in the UK to prosecute incidents of criminal damage and trespass.
Implications for schools and education staff
Now that the Government has proscribed this group, this means it will be banned in the UK and it is deemed a terrorist organisation.
Now that it is declared a terrorist organisation, anyone would be guilty of an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 if they
- are a member of Palestine Action;
- if they declare support for it; or
- if they provide support for it.
Anyone working in education who falls into one of the above categories could be liable to be charged and could be convicted of a criminal offence. If this happened, they should expect to lose their job and also be banned from teaching.
It can also be deemed an offence if you:-
- arrange or assist with the arrangement of a meeting that supports a proscribed organisation
- address such a meeting
- wear clothing or display articles in public which arouse suspicion of membership or support of a proscribed organisation.
Advice for members
We believe we do need to highlight to NEU members the professional risks and the risk of criminal conviction of membership, support or involvement with Palestine Action. These include the following risks to:
- risk to your employment;
- Teaching Regulation Agency prohibition;
- Disclosure and Barring Service bar
Courts have the ability to impose a custodial sentence and the maximum penalty for these offences is 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine (or both).