Overview

• Former home secretary Ken Clarke warned that arresting “hundreds of harmless old ladies” for holding placards is counter-productive and urged police to use discretion.
• Labour peer Lord Hain questioned terrorism arrests of peacefully protesting retirees, clergy and veterans, arguing police should focus on what he called real crime.
• Home Office minister Lord Hanson said Palestine Action met Terrorism Act tests after an escalating campaign of intimidation and criminal damage, citing convictions and ongoing cases.
• Lord Hanson told peers there were 17 arrests for assaults on officers at the September 6 demonstration, which he called unacceptable.
• Palestine Action was proscribed in July after it claimed responsibility for damaging two RAF Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, and membership or public support now carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison.