Southsea man arrested twice for terrorism after protesting outside MP Stephen Morgan’s office

The man was holding a sign during his arrest last week on 7 January 7 which read: “Palestine Action are not terrorists. Free the Filton 24.”

The man was also arrested outside the Portsmouth South MP’s office on 1 January with the same sign but faces no action for that incident.

Palestine Action has been added to the UK's list of banned terrorist organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000 - giving police powers to arrest supporters.

The man, 57, was taking part in what has been daily protests outside Mr Morgan’s office by campaigners demanding he join their calls for deputy prime minister David Lammy to meet with the Palestine Action hunger strikers. Mr Morgan is a member of Labour Friends of Israel as well as Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East.

Three of the original eight activists are still on hunger strike in UK prisons. They have made demands which include being released from custody while awaiting trial, having the right to a fair trial and the dropping of terror-related charges, as well as having Palestine Action removed from the list of banned terrorist organisations.

A police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that officers made an arrest during a protest on Albert Road in Southsea on Wednesday 7 January.

“A 57-year-old man from Southsea was arrested on suspicion of committing an offence of being in a public place carrying or displaying an article in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that they were a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation (Palestine Action). He has been bailed until 7 April while our enquiries continue.

“We balance the rights of those lawfully protesting, and the rights of others to go about their lives without being subject to unacceptable disruption, whilst keeping the public safe. Our priority with protests is always public safety.”

The campaigners said they will continue to protest outside Mr Morgan’s office.