THE UK Government has been accused of attempting to stitch up a vote on whether to proscribe Palestine Action.
MPs are set to debate the proscription order later on Wednesday, which – if passed – would make membership and support for the direct action group illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
If MPs vote to approve the proscription order, it would then need to go before the Lords on Thursday afternoon.
The proscription order does not relate solely to Palestine Action, but includes three other groups: the "Maniacs Murder Cult", a Moldovan neo-Nazi group, the Russian Imperial Movement – a far-right group aiming to rebuild the Russian Empire – and its paramilitary wing the Russian Imperial Legion.
Independent MP and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn raised the matter in a point of order, as he asked for Palestine Action to be considered separately to the other organisations.
He asked deputy speaker Roger Gale: "Can you consult with the Speaker's office about any process that could happen between now and the start of the debate on the statutory instrument on prevention of terrorism, so that the three organisations listed can be voted on separately?
"Because I think that would be a proper way of members of the House expressing their views."
Responding, Gale told Corbyn: "I thank the right honourable gentleman for his point of order.
"I'm afraid that his request is simply, in procedural terms, not possible.
"The chair is not responsible for the selection or the grouping of motions such as this.
"The motion is and will be put to the House as it is on the order paper."
Commenting, Palestine Action said on Twitter/X: "Jeremy Corbyn's request to vote on the proscription of Palestine Action separately to two neo-Nazi groups, one of which is the 'Maniacs Murder Cult', was rejected.
"This is a stitch up to try and force through the first proscription of a domestic direct action protest group."
Jeremy Corbyn's request to vote on the proscription of Palestine Action separately to two neo-Nazi groups, one of which is the 'Maniacs Murder Cult', was rejected. This is a stitch up to try and force through the first proscription of a domestic direct action protest group. pic.twitter.com/ypIYvJF4OI
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) July 2, 2025
The Independent Alliance – a group of Independent MPs, which Corbyn is a member of – released a statement ahead of the debate, arguing that the Labour Government's use of the Terrorism Act is "an outrageous clampdown on civil disobedience" and is "an assault on the democratic rights of us all".
The statement said: "We unequivocally oppose the proscription of Palestine Action.
"Yesterday, at least 24 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a crowded seaside café in Gaza. Among those killed were women, children and the elderly.
"Still, our Government allows the supply of arms to Israel. The real crime is the Government’s complicity in genocide – and the proscription of Palestine Action is a shameful attempt to silence dissent.
"The use of the Terrorism Act is an outrageous clampdown on civil disobedience. We implore MPs to recognise this gross misuse of state power for what it is: an assault on the democratic rights of us all.
"Moreover, we are appalled by the Government’s cynical move to bundle Palestine Action in with foreign neo-Nazi organisations, as part of one piece of legislation. This represents a transparent ploy by the government to coerce MPs into supporting its authoritarian crackdown on Palestinian solidarity."
The statement added: "Today, we look back and celebrate those who protested for the freedoms we enjoy today. Years from now, we will look back and commend those who stood on the right side of history.
"The Government will not succeed in shielding itself from accountability. We will continue to demand an end to the UK’s military cooperation with Israel. We will continue in our search for truth and justice. And we will continue to campaign for the only path to peace: an end to the occupation of Palestine."
The debate is expected at around 5.30pm, with a vote taking place after.
