UK wants to ban MPs from engaging with pro-Palestine groups who take part in Gaza protests

The British government is looking to ban MPs and councillors from engaging with pro-Palestine groups who took part in Gaza solidarity protests, according to The Times.

The proposal, drafted by the Conservative government's adviser on political violence, John Woodcock, would prohibit MPs from engaging with groups that use "disruptive tactics" and "hate" on marches.

The report said the groups cited include the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and environmental campaigners Just Stop Oil.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary James Cleverly will review the proposal as part of an assessment led by Woodcock, a former Labour MP now holding the title of Lord Walney, as a cross-bench peer.

Sunak drew criticism from human rights groups for saying that there were "internal forces attempting to divide us" in an impromptu address at Downing Street on Friday.

On Wednesday, he also faced accusations of inflating tensions at protests by warning of "mob rule" in the UK.

Guardian highlighted that the proposal was "politically convenient for the government because, if accepted, they would put further pressure on the Labour leader over his party’s stance on pro-Palestine demonstrations".

Several Labour MPs, including former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Poplar and Limehouse MP Apsana Begum, have participated in Palestine Solidarity Campaign events.

Despite calls from senior Tories to suspend MPs who attended these events, Labour has declined to do so as PSC is not classified as a proscribed organisation.

Many pro-Palestine activists or critics of Israel have argued that the job of the opposition is to take the UK government to account for its self-declared support for Israel in Gaza, where over 30,500 people - the vast majority civilians - have been killed.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has also faced criticism by members of his own party for failing to support Gaza and its 2.3 million inhabitants more strongly.

TNA has reached out to PSC for comment.