The Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council have released the following statement in light of today’s High Court judgement on the proscription of Palestine Action.
“We are deeply concerned by today’s High Court decision to find against the Government’s proscription of Palestine Action.
“As the Home Secretary said today: ‘The Court acknowledged that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism. It concluded that its actions are not consistent with democratic values and the rule of law.”
“We recognise the vital importance of judicial oversight in matters of national security and civil liberties. However, the practical impact of Palestine Action’s activities on Jewish communal life has been significant and deeply unsettling.
“Palestine Action has repeatedly targeted buildings hosting Jewish communal institutions, Jewish-owned businesses, or sites associated with Israel, in ways that cause fear and disruption far beyond the immediate protest sites.
“We welcome the response of the Home Secretary and note her intention to fight the judgement in the court of appeal. We will seek urgent clarity from the Government, police forces and the CPS regarding the implications of this ruling and the steps they intend to take to ensure that communities are protected from intimidation and criminality. This includes ensuring appropriate legal tools are available.
“The safety of the British public including Jews must remain a priority.”
