Direct action has been part of protests in the UK for some time. The Suffragettes took part in direct action, some of which was more violent than others. This matter is in the news again because many have been arrested for protesting while supporting Palestine Action. My views on them and how they have “accidentally” supported Russia n the invasion of Ukraine have been posted before.
This post is about if direct action is okay depending on the group engaging in it.
In August there was a story about how demonstrators had tried to enter a hotel housing asylum seekers to take part in direct action. Other actions have been taken since then, not just in Scotland, not counting the criminal damage that happened during the Farage Riots last year. Charities who have been trying to help refugees have reported abuse and intimidation by those who care about what they stand for.
Palestine Action have also taken part in criminal damage, breaking windows of offices in Milton Keynes, but also targeting Jewish businesses in Stamford Hill. And of course there are the actions which have accidentally hindered Ukrainian efforts to defend against the invasion Russia. While there will be those who will say I am wrong to compare Kristallnacht to what is happening now, but many of those who are considered to be Jewish were concerned about history repeating itself, that being before the appalling murder of Jews in Manchester.
I will finish on two points. Loads of organisations are protesting the brutal ethnic cleansing of Gaza and are staying within the law to do so. The other point is if it is acceptable for one group to engage in intimidation and criminal damage to bring about change, is it also acceptable for others to do so?
