High Court Strikes Down Palestine Action Terror Ban as Unlawful
In a landmark ruling, the High Court has declared the Home Office's decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation as unlawful, delivering a humiliating blow to the government. The case was brought by Huda Ammori, co-founder of the protest group, who challenged the proscription that had been in effect since last July.
Legal Challenge and Government Defeat
Ms. Ammori's legal team argued that the ban was unprecedented and unjustified, asserting that Palestine Action does not advocate for violence. They emphasised that any instances of serious violence against property or persons are rare and not representative of the group's activities. The court's ruling could have far-reaching implications, potentially upending hundreds of trials scheduled for this year and beyond for individuals accused of participating in protests related to the group.
Since the proscription was enacted, thousands of people have been arrested for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action. The Home Office, under then-home secretary Yvette Cooper, imposed the ban after activists breached an RAF base and damaged two military aircraft. However, human rights organisations and the UN high commissioner, Volker Turk, condemned the move as a "grave abuse of state power" and labelled it "disproportionate and unnecessary."
Impact and Reactions
Ms. Ammori highlighted the severe consequences of the proscription, describing its impact as "dramatic, severe, widespread, and potentially lifelong." The ruling has sparked celebrations among protesters, who gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice during the judicial review hearing in November 2025. This decision underscores ongoing tensions between state security measures and civil liberties in the UK.
As a breaking story, further developments are expected to follow.
