UK Court Says Palestine Action Ban Was Unlawful — But It’s Not Over Yet
A dramatic legal twist in the UK tonight, as the High Court rules that the government’s decision to ban the activist group Palestine Action under terrorism laws was unlawful, but the group remains officially banned for now.
Three senior judges delivered a powerful judgment, saying the proscription was disproportionate and did not meet the very high legal threshold required to classify an organisation as terrorist. The court acknowledged that some members had engaged in serious criminal acts, including damage to military property and break-ins at defence sites. But it said those actions, while criminal, had not reached the scale or persistence necessary to justify a blanket ban under the Terrorism Act.
Palestine Action was outlawed last July after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton and caused millions of pounds worth of damage to military aircraft. The government at the time argued the group was using property damage to influence political outcomes and intimidate, which it said met the legal definition of terrorism. The ban made membership or even public support a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
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Today’s ruling is a major blow to the Home Office. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she is disappointed and confirms the government will appeal. So the legal battle is far from over. A further hearing later this month will decide what happens next.
For now, the group remains proscribed. That means expressing support is still technically a criminal offence. However, the Metropolitan Police says officers will focus on gathering evidence rather than making immediate arrests while the legal situation unfolds.
Palestine Action’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, calls the ruling a monumental victory for civil liberties and for freedom of expression. Supporters argue the ban was an attack on protest rights. Critics, including several Jewish organisations, say the group’s actions have caused fear and disruption and they welcome the government’s plan to appeal.
This case raises difficult questions. Where is the line between protest and terrorism. How far can governments go to protect national security without restricting fundamental rights. And what precedent does this set for future activism.
With thousands of arrests already made since the ban took effect, the outcome of the appeal could have serious legal and political consequences.
This story is still developing. Stay with us for continuing coverage as the next court hearing approaches and the government prepares its appeal.
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