News
Concerns over Hizbollah flags being displayed in the UK to be referred to Home Secretary
July 7, 2016 12:05
The Home Secretary is to be made aware of concerns surrounding the display of Hizbollah flags at anti-Israel marches in the UK.
Chris Grayling, Leader of the House of Commons, told MPs that Theresa May would be informed.
His comment came after Hizbollah flags were displayed by protesters at last Sunday’s anti-Israel Al-Quds Day march in central London.
The military wing of Hizbollah is defined as a terrorist organisation in Britain, but not its political component. Police at the march did not act to prevent the flags being displayed.
Matthew Offord, MP for Hendon, who addressed a counter-demonstration of Israel supporters last Sunday, raised the issue in Parliament today.
He said: “The European Union, including the UK, recognises the difference between the military and political wings of Hizbollah, but such a distinction does not appear to be recognised by the organisation itself.
“Therefore in the light of the confusion about the legality of demonstrators displaying Hizbollah flags on the streets of London last Sunday, can we have a statement on the legality of the display of Hizbollah flags?”
Mr Grayling responded by telling the House: “I agree with my honourable friend.
“If an organisation is proscribed in the UK, it should not be able to publicise itself in the UK whether through flags, or placards, or anything else.
“I will make sure the Home Secretary is aware of the concerns he’s raised. If an organisation is illegal in the UK it should not manifest itself in the UK.”
Mr Offord, a member of Conservative Friends of Israel (CFOI), had written to the Metropolitan Police before the rally about the flags being flown, an act which he said was “contrary to the Terrorism Act”.