Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of direct action taken by Palestine Action on the (a) defence sector and (b) adequacy of the supply of assets to the Armed Forces.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence regularly monitors risks and issues facing the defence sector as part of our supply chain resilience work.

A number of UK Defence companies have reported that they have incurred costs through installing additional security measures in responding to the threat of actions from groups such as Palestine Action. It is also recognised that there are a small number of defence companies, and associated supporting businesses, who have been targeted by Palestine Action with criminal damage and intimidation of their staff. At an individual level these businesses have incurred costs and disruption through the damage caused and we are working with the Police to deal with such offences and mitigate potential future such action.

However, the overall impact to Defence has been limited and there have been no significant reported impacts to the Defence supply chain.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will review the adequacy of legislation related to the policing of the operations of (a) Palestine Action and (b) other direct action groups.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)

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.

Question to the Home Office:

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 Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)

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.

Radiotherapy (No. 2)

Coalfields Regeneration Trust funding

Illegal modification of e-bikes and e-scooters

Prison maintenance insourcing

European Remembrance Day for victims of terrorism

Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill