UK warned of risk of anti-terror law misuse, independent watchdog says
Al Jazeera Staff
An independent UK watchdog has warned the government risks misusing anti-terror laws by targeting social activist groups, going beyond the original intent of the legislation. The annual report highlights the case of Palestine Action and concerns over property damage definitions.
In its annual report on the implementation of UK anti-terror laws for 2024, Jonathan Hall, the head of the independent watchdog, said the government's subsequent ban on the pro-Palestine group Palestine Action exposed 'a real lack of clarity' about whether property damage alone could constitute terrorism.
Hall argued that the current law's broad interpretation, without clearer limits, could bring protest activities within the scope of counter-terrorism authorities, even when there is no intent to harm people. 'There is no legal definition of what constitutes serious property damage,' Hall wrote, noting that the definition could range from violent attacks to acts such as vandalism, depending on how courts interpret the threshold.
While acknowledging that property damage cannot be entirely removed from the legal definition of terrorism, Hall suggested lawmakers could narrow the scope of scrutiny, for example by requiring evidence of a threat to life, a national security element, or by excluding non-violent protests.
The report comes as the UK government appeals a Supreme Court ruling that declared the ban on Palestine Action illegal on grounds of violating free speech. The ban, imposed in July 2025, remains in effect pending the appeal. Earlier, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that using anti-terror laws to enforce the ban risked 'hindering the lawful exercise of fundamental rights across the United Kingdom.'
Palestine Action, founded in 2020, says its goal is to end 'global complicity in Israel's genocide and apartheid,' focusing mainly on weapons factories, especially those owned by Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems. Since the ban was issued, around 3,000 arrests have been made, mostly related to displaying banners supporting the group, and hundreds of people now face criminal charges.
Hall's report also highlighted law enforcement's increasing reliance on anti-terror laws to address online propaganda and political expression. The watchdog reviewed bans on the group Hizb ut-Tahrir and the far-right network Terrorgram in 2024, describing both as organizations banned primarily based on online statements rather than actual violent acts.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a statement that she would review Hall's recommendations before giving an official response.
