John McDonnell’s defence of Palestine Action branded an ‘utter disgrace’
The veteran left-winger condemns use of counter-terrorism laws against the hardline anti-Israel group
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
John McDonnell appeared to speak in support of the actions of hardcore anti-Israel group Palestine Action during a Westminster debate.
Speaking in favour of a petition calling for an arms embargo on Israel, the veteran left-winger accused the government of using counter-terrorism powers on supporters of the group, who he claimed were mostly “innocent” of the offences they were charged with.
Palestine Activists have repeatedly targeted premises used by Elbit Systems UK in this country claiming the company direct supplies the Israeli arms, attacking police with a sledgehammer on at least one occasion.
Last month, in another actions they targeted the offices of pro-Israel organisations in Hampstead, north London, smashing windows and leaving Free Palestine graffiti on walls.
But in a more violent action in August by the group a police officer was taken to hospital after being hit with a sledgehammer while responding to reports of criminal damage.
One senior Labour figure told Jewish News McDonnell’s comments about Palestine Action were an “utter disgrace” and the “latest ugly chapter of a chequered political career.”
Speaking during a Westminster Hall debate, McDonnell, shadow chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, said he was being “careful about not mentioning any names” as some cases were subjudice, but added:” Palestine Action took direct action to close down an arms factory that was supplying goods and materials for the F-35 and the drones.
“Those people were arrested under counter-terrorism powers and detained. They are young people, a lot of them young women—some of them just starting out at university.
“They exercised their influence and power because we failed to exercise ours. Some have been in court; when they are in front of a jury, they usually win the case.
“A number of them are now on remand and will have been in prison since last March until next November, when their trial is listed.”
McDonnell continued:”I am raising the issue of the process itself, which is the use of counter-terrorism powers against direct action groups.
“The last Government even came forward with proposals and discussions about proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. I hope this Government are not going anywhere near that.
“But why are the people in prison at the moment on remand? Why can they not be tagged before their trial comes up next November?
“A number of them, most probably, will be proven innocent, but they will have served nearly two years in prison—for what?
“For trying to do what we are failing to do: prevent this Government from supplying arms to a regime that kills children.”
In the Bristol action by Palestine Action a vehicle was used to ram the entrance of the Bristol HQ of defence technology firm Elbit Systems on the outskirts of Bristol.
Employees and police officers who intervened were assaulted, Avon and Somerset Constabulary said, and six people were arrested.
Sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons were seized, police added.
During the incident, two officers were assaulted with a sledgehammer, police said.
One of the officers was taken to hospital with injuries to her back and has since been discharged, while the other officer received medical treatment at the scene after being struck on the back of his legs.
An employee of the business was also treated by paramedics for an injury to their head.
Demanding arms licences to Israel be stopped, McDonnell questioned Israel’s right to defend itself adding:” Let us have a conversation with Israel itself about how to supervise that defence internationally, rather than using it as an excuse to kill children.”
In 2015 McDonnell apologised for saying in 2003 that IRA members should be “honoured”.
His remarks were made at a gathering in London in 2003 to commemorate IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
McDonnell told the meeting: “It’s about time we started honouring those people involved in the armed struggle.
“It was the bombs and bullets and sacrifice made by the likes of Bobby Sands that brought Britain to the negotiating table.”
McDonnell also said he was sorry for an “appalling joke” about former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
In 2010, he said that if he could go back in time he would “assassinate Thatcher”.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
