UK government designates Palestine Action a 'terrorist organisation'

British MPs have voted 385 to 26 in favour of legislation to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.

The designation makes it a criminal act to support the group and places it in the same category as violent groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

The order is expected to come into effect later this week. Once it does, supporting Palestine Action will become a criminal offence, with membership or expressing support for the direct action group punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Legal action is being taken to temporarily block the order, with a hearing scheduled for Friday at London's High Court.

 Civil liberties and human rights advocates have criticised the ban and said it is criminalising dissent against Israel’s war on Gaza.

Palestine Action is a direct action group that has predominantly targeted arms companies.