High Court Rules Palestine Action Ban Unlawful, Government to Appeal
Published 13 February 2026
Highlights
- The High Court ruled the ban on Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws as unlawful but allowed it to remain temporarily.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to appeal the decision, maintaining the ban for now.
- The ruling highlighted significant interference with freedom of expression and assembly.
- Over 2,700 people have been arrested since the ban, with legal proceedings pending.
- The Metropolitan Police will halt arrests for supporting Palestine Action until legal clarity is achieved.
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Rewritten Article
High Court Rules Palestine Action Ban Unlawful, Government to Appeal
In a landmark decision, the High Court has ruled that the UK government's ban on Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation is unlawful. Despite this, the ban remains in place temporarily as the government considers an appeal. The ruling marks a significant legal victory for Palestine Action, a group known for its direct action campaigns against Israel's largest weapons manufacturer, Elbit Systems.
Legal Grounds and Implications
The High Court's decision, led by Dame Victoria Sharp, found that the proscription of Palestine Action was a disproportionate interference with the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The court accepted two of the four grounds of challenge presented by Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, who argued that the ban violated human rights and was inconsistent with Home Office policy.
Despite the ruling, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her disappointment and confirmed plans to appeal, stating the need to protect national security. The proscription, introduced by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, had led to over 2,700 arrests, with many individuals charged for showing support for the group.
Police Response and Public Reaction
In response to the ruling, the Metropolitan Police announced they would cease arrests for supporting Palestine Action until the legal situation is resolved. However, they will continue to gather evidence of any potential offences. This decision comes amidst public confusion and calls from activists for the government to respect the court's judgment.
Huda Ammori hailed the ruling as a "monumental victory" for free speech, urging the government to end what she described as an "injustice." The ruling has sparked debate among political figures, with some MPs supporting the appeal while others call for the charges against protesters to be dropped.
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Scenario Analysis
The government's decision to appeal the High Court ruling could prolong legal uncertainty for those arrested under the proscription. If the appeal is unsuccessful, it may lead to the quashing of charges against individuals who have been detained for supporting Palestine Action. This case could set a precedent for future challenges against similar bans under anti-terrorism laws, potentially reshaping the legal landscape regarding freedom of expression and assembly in the UK. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this appeal could influence how the government balances national security concerns with civil liberties.
In a landmark decision, the High Court has ruled that the UK government's ban on Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation is unlawful. Despite this, the ban remains in place temporarily as the government considers an appeal. The ruling marks a significant legal victory for Palestine Action, a group known for its direct action campaigns against Israel's largest weapons manufacturer, Elbit Systems.
Legal Grounds and Implications
The High Court's decision, led by Dame Victoria Sharp, found that the proscription of Palestine Action was a disproportionate interference with the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The court accepted two of the four grounds of challenge presented by Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, who argued that the ban violated human rights and was inconsistent with Home Office policy.
Despite the ruling, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her disappointment and confirmed plans to appeal, stating the need to protect national security. The proscription, introduced by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, had led to over 2,700 arrests, with many individuals charged for showing support for the group.
Police Response and Public Reaction
In response to the ruling, the Metropolitan Police announced they would cease arrests for supporting Palestine Action until the legal situation is resolved. However, they will continue to gather evidence of any potential offences. This decision comes amidst public confusion and calls from activists for the government to respect the court's judgment.
Huda Ammori hailed the ruling as a "monumental victory" for free speech, urging the government to end what she described as an "injustice." The ruling has sparked debate among political figures, with some MPs supporting the appeal while others call for the charges against protesters to be dropped.
What this might mean
The government's decision to appeal the High Court ruling could prolong legal uncertainty for those arrested under the proscription. If the appeal is unsuccessful, it may lead to the quashing of charges against individuals who have been detained for supporting Palestine Action. This case could set a precedent for future challenges against similar bans under anti-terrorism laws, potentially reshaping the legal landscape regarding freedom of expression and assembly in the UK. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this appeal could influence how the government balances national security concerns with civil liberties.
