John McDonnell has once again made headlines, this time for saying the government should stay “well away” from banning Palestine Action, a group known for criminal damage as part of its protests.
McDonnell, not one to mince words, criticised the use of counter-terror laws against activists, describing the move as heavy-handed and unfair. The debate took a fiery turn as MPs from across the political spectrum weighed in on arms sales to Israel, with calls for the UK to end its role in supplying parts for F-35 fighter jets.
McDonnell: Counter-Terror Powers Are Going Too Far
Speaking during a Westminster debate, the former shadow chancellor slammed the government’s approach to cracking down on activists. Referring to young demonstrators who targeted arms factories, he said, “They exercised their influence because we failed to exercise ours.”
While debate chair Carolyn Harris reminded him of parliamentary rules around discussing specific cases, McDonnell was quick to clarify that his issue was with “the process itself.”
He also took aim at rumours the government might officially label Palestine Action a terrorist organisation, adding bluntly, “I hope this Government are not going anywhere near that.”
Calls to Stop Selling Jet Parts to Israel
Several MPs, including Labour’s Liam Byrne and Helen Hayes, turned their attention to the thorny issue of UK arms exports. Byrne argued that continuing to sell components for the F-35 fighter jets – heavily used by Israel – was indefensible.
Hayes echoed the frustration, saying the government’s stance on F-35 licences simply “cannot be defended.”
Meanwhile, Iqbal Mohamed, the independent pro-Gaza MP, was even more direct: “The government are culpable in the mass murder taking place.”
Government Pushes Back on Arms Debate
Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer defended the government’s position, claiming that ending Britain’s involvement in the F-35 programme would have far-reaching consequences.
“To bring down the F-35 programme,” Falconer said, “would affect international peace, NATO’s broader strategic role, and Western support for Ukraine.”
The UK supplies around 15% of the jet parts for the F-35 programme, a massive international partnership involving the US, Israel, Italy, Canada and others.
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