Cooper says court cases for Palestine Action activists set to reveal ‘disturbing information’

Disturbing information about the true nature of the threat posed by the banned Palestine Action group is likely to be revealed in future court cases involving its activists, the Home Secretary has revealed.

Asked to justify the mass arrests of people taking part in demonstrations in support of the proscribed group this weekend, Yvette Cooper said:”I do understand there will be people who do not know, who are wanting to protest, who do not know what the nature of this group is.

“Let’s be clear, this is not about Palestine or protesting about Palestine.

“This is about a particular, narrow, specific group that has both a violent record and information and about future planning as well.

“More of that information is likely to be revealed once court cases come through and can’t be in advance, but I would say to people, this is not a non-violent organisation.”

The Home Secretary added that as well as “injuries to people” she has been made aware of ” some disturbing information, referring to future planning as well.”

“So that’s the information that I have to take immensely seriously when making those prescribing decisions,” she said.

The Metropolitan police has made clear it would arrest anyone breaking terrorism laws, who takes part in a London demo organised for Saturday.

Campaigners from the pressure group Defend Our Juries plan to descend upon Westminster carrying placards and posters expressing support for the group.

They are protesting against  Cooper’s decision to ban the organisation last month after activists caused an estimated £7m of damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton, and carried out several other attacks on Jewish owned businesses it had  linked to Israel.

Defend Our Juries is asking those taking part to hold up signs saying “I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action”. More than 200 people have already been arrested in response to the proscription last month.

Justifying the decision to proscribe the group under terrorism legislation, Cooper told Sky News:”The proscribing process is based on detailed security assessments and security advice to me as Home Secretary, and I have to take that immensely seriously.

“It’s based on violent action and injuries that this group has taken, including on national security targets.”