Update on policing in London following proscription of Palestine Action

Palestine Action has now been proscribed by the UK Government and expressing support for them is a criminal offence in the UK.

There are a number of events taking place in London this weekend and anyone attending should be aware that officers policing these will act where criminal offences, including those related to support of proscribed groups or organisations, are committed.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT), the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism and it is proportionate to do so.

Proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite or express support for a proscribed organisation through chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos.

You can read more about proscribed groups or organisations on the UK Government website.

It is a criminal offence to:

• belong, or profess to belong, to a proscribed organisation in the UK or overseas (Section 11 TACT)

• invite support for a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)

• express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)

• arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in the knowledge that the meeting is to support or further the activities of a proscribed organisation, or is to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to (Section 12(2) TACT)

• wear clothing or carry or display articles in public in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that the individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation (Section 13 TACT)

• publish an image of an item of clothing or other article, such as a flag or logo, in the same circumstances (Section 13(1A) TACT)

If you have any concerns during an event speak to a police officer or event steward.

If you see material supporting terrorism online report it – visit www.gov.uk/ACT

You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321.

In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.