The Home Secretary has accused some pro-Palestinian protesters of not wanting peace in the Middle East.
Shabana Mahmood said the decision by campaigners to continue their protests after Donald Trump’s declaration that the “war is over” in Israel yesterday.
She previously branded some pro-Palestine protesters as “fundamentally un-British in nature” after one said they “don’t give a f*** about the Jewish community right now.”
Ms Mahmood confirmed that the Government was considering new powers to ban demonstrations outright.
She told the Commons: “Protests have continued, both before the peace agreement and after the peace agreement in the Middle East.
“I think we can conclude that not all of those protesting truly wish to see peace in the Middle East – but that is for them to answer to what their motivations really are.
“We are very clear that whilst the right to protest is a fundamental freedom in our country, enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and often the cause of grave offence to other people who live within this country, it does have to be balanced against the right for all people to be able to live in safety.”
The Home Secretary added sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 would be changed to allow officers to consider the cumulative impact of frequent protests when deciding whether to enforce conditions such as a change of route or time of the events.
Protests are set to continue after President Trump’s announcement
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Her announcement earlier this month followed a wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations, which Ms Mahmood previously said had created “considerable fear” among Jewish communities.
One event in London saw 488 arrests for supporting banned organisation Palestine Action, which is on the Government’s list of terrorist groups.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson told the Commons: “Unfortunately, the Government’s decisions recently have led to police arresting pensioners for holding up cardboard signs when they should be protecting all communities, including the Jewish community, from those who would cause harm.
“This undermines the right to protest and, crucially, means that the police are using their time and resources on other things, when they should be protecting people.”
Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the Government was considering new powers to ban demonstrations outright
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Responding, Ms Mahmood said she “cannot accept and leave unchallenged what he had to say about the protests led primarily by the group Defend Our Juries in relation of the proscription to the group Palestine Action.”
She said: “I think the Liberal Democrats have to ask themselves some serious questions, are they going to stand up for the rule of law in this country?
“You can in this House, in this chamber, and outside, anyone is free to challenge our terror laws, to say that they should be changed, to say that the thresholds are in the wrong place, that they need updating, fair and legitimate comment.
“We may disagree, but it is perfectly legitimate to debate that in this House and outside as well. What is not acceptable and what is a crime under the law of our land is to support a proscribed organisation.”
Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson said Labour had undermined the right to protest
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The Green Party’s Westminster leader Ellie Chowns warned “further restrictions on protest” were of “concern.”
The Herefordshire North MP asked: “Will she ensure that every policy measure she takes is focused on building solidarity between communities and countering division in our country?”
Ms Mahmood replied: “There is a balance to be struck between these freedoms. I think it’s in the wrong place. I’m taking measures to bring it back into balance.”
But the Conservative MP for Harrow East, Bob Blackman, warned Londoners are “fed up paying the money for these hate marches and hate demonstrations to take place.”
He continued: “So in addition to changing the routes and the meeting places and the times when these demonstrations can take place, how about another suggestion?
“If they want to organise these hate demonstrations, let them have the bill for the policing that they have to have.”
The Home Secretary was “considering all recommendations that have been made” by advisers, she said.
Harrow East MP Bob Blackman said Londoners are ‘fed up’
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Ms Mahmood said the Government would not “shy away” from tackling Islamist extremism.
She told The Commons: “I commit myself and the Government to doing everything in our power to stand up to this particular threat without fear or favour, to destroy it for good.
“I would note for this House that the first people that Islamists often suppress, hurt and damage are their fellow Muslims as well.
“It is in everyone’s interests to fight Islamist extremism wherever it is found.”