Palestine Action
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will take steps to help stop (a) Palestine Action’s direct action training days and (b) the spread of violent direct action training materials.
Answered by Dame Diana Johnson
Whilst the right to protest is a fundamental part of our democracy, this right does not extend to activities that promote violence or criminal damage.
The decision to investigate potential criminal activity is a matter for the police, who are operationally independent of government. Home Office Ministers cannot interfere in operational decisions of this nature, as to do so could undermine their independence.
However, the Government will always support the police in using their powers as robustly as possible to prevent crime and maintain public order and safety where appropriate.
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