Britain’s High Court has ruled that the government’s decision to outlaw the protest group Palestine Action under terrorism laws was unlawful and disproportionate, delivering a legal setback for ministers while leaving the ban temporarily in place.
In a judgment delivered Friday, three senior judges said the Home Secretary did not follow her own policy and that the proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 unjustifiably restricted rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The court found the group’s activities did not meet the legal threshold for classification as a terrorist organisation.
Despite the ruling, the ban remains legally in force while the government prepares an appeal, meaning it is still a criminal offence to support or be associated with the group. A further hearing is scheduled for later this month to determine whether the proscription should remain during the appeal process.
The case stems from the government’s July 2025 decision to proscribe Palestine Action, a network of direct-action activists who staged disruptive protests against companies and facilities linked to Israeli military suppliers, including break-ins at sites such as an RAF air base. Since the ban, thousands of people have been arrested under terrorism laws for actions ranging from displaying supportive signs to participating in demonstrations.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, welcomed the decision as a victory for civil liberties and political dissent, calling the ban a disproportionate attack on free speech. Authorities said they plan to appeal the ruling, with the Home Secretary describing the court’s decision as disappointing.
The Metropolitan Police said it will stop arrests for mere expressions of support for the group but will continue to enforce laws against criminal acts. Legal experts say the high court’s ruling could affect hundreds of pending prosecutions tied to the proscription. (Newswire)