LONDON: Britain’s High Court has ruled that the government’s decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful though the proscription will remain temporarily while an appeal proceeds.
The government swiftly confirmed it would challenge the verdict in the Court of Appeal. Palestine Action was outlawed in July 2024 after authorities accused the group of escalating its direct action campaign against Israel linked defence firms including Elbit Systems.
Officials argued that repeated protests involving property damage and site occupations amounted to terrorism. Among the incidents cited were a factory raid allegedly causing £1 million in damage and a break in at the Royal Air Force Brize Norton base. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had described the airbase action as disgraceful.
Delivering judgment Justice Victoria Sharp acknowledged that the group promoted its cause through criminal acts but concluded that the ban disproportionately interfered with freedom of expression.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would contest the ruling. Meanwhile the Metropolitan Police indicated officers would prioritise evidence-gathering over immediate arrests.
Rights groups such as Amnesty International welcomed the decision arguing the ban restricted civil liberties. Novelist Sally Rooney who had publicly supported the group, previously warned of broader cultural implications.
Legal experts say the ruling could influence ongoing cases linked to the proscription.
