Overview

• The group’s ban took effect on July 5 under the Terrorism Act 2000, making membership or support punishable by up to 14 years in prison and even minor displays of affiliation a criminal offence.
• Metropolitan Police detained 29 supporters near Parliament Square hours after the ban began, including 83-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt, with all released on bail pending further investigation.
• Commissioner Mark Rowley defended the enforcement, stating that terrorism laws apply regardless of age and must be acted on when organisations are proscribed.
• Critics warn that applying anti-terror legislation to nonviolent direct action risks suppressing legitimate protest and curbing free speech rights.
• Lawmakers such as Lord Walney are pushing amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to address disruptive protests through public order offences rather than terrorism statutes.