What's happened
On 13 February 2026, the UK High Court ruled the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group unlawful, citing disproportionate interference with free speech and assembly rights. The ban remains temporarily in place pending appeal. Since July 2025, over 2,700 arrests have been made under the ban, sparking widespread protests and legal challenges.
What's behind the headline?
Legal and Political Implications
The High Court's ruling exposes tensions between national security measures and civil liberties in the UK. While the government justified the ban citing acts of terrorism and national security risks, the court found the proscription disproportionate given most activities could be prosecuted under general criminal law. This sets a precedent limiting the use of anti-terror legislation against protest groups.
Government Credibility and Public Response
The government's insistence on appealing despite the ruling risks further eroding public trust, especially as arrests have included vulnerable individuals like pensioners and wheelchair users. The case highlights a disconnect between government policy and public sentiment, with activists and some legal experts condemning the ban as an overreach.
Impact on Protest and Free Speech
The ruling affirms the importance of protecting free speech and peaceful assembly, even when protests challenge government policies or corporate interests. However, the ongoing legal limbo leaves thousands facing charges, creating uncertainty and chilling effects on activism.
Forecast
The government's appeal will prolong legal uncertainty, but the ruling weakens the case for proscribing protest groups under terrorism laws. This may prompt a reevaluation of how anti-terror legislation is applied to civil disobedience, potentially influencing future government responses to activism.
What the papers say
The Guardian's Robyn Vinter highlights the personal impact on arrested protesters, including retirees and clergy, who feel "vindicated" but remain cautious due to the pending appeal. Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, described the ban as "massively backfired," emphasizing the ban's role in raising the group's profile and support, as reported by The Guardian's Haroon Siddique. The Times of Israel underscores the court's view that Palestine Action's activities did not meet the threshold for terrorism, despite government claims of serious damage and national security risks. The New Arab and The Independent provide detailed accounts of the legal challenges and the government's defense, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's commitment to appeal and her framing of the group as promoting violence. These sources collectively illustrate a clash between government security priorities and civil liberties, with the judiciary acting as a check on executive power.
How we got here
Palestine Action, founded in 2020, targets Israeli-linked arms companies in the UK through direct action protests. Following a June 2025 break-in at RAF Brize Norton causing significant damage, the UK government banned the group under anti-terror laws, equating it with groups like ISIS. This led to thousands of arrests for supporting the group, including peaceful protestors.
Go deeper
- What led to the UK banning Palestine Action under anti-terror laws?
- How has the High Court justified overturning the ban?
- What are the implications of the government's planned appeal?
Common question
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Why Did the UK Court Rule the Palestine Action Ban Unlawful?
The UK High Court recently declared the government's ban on Palestine Action unlawful, citing concerns over free speech and civil liberties. This decision raises important questions about the balance between national security and individual rights. Many are now wondering what this ruling means for protests, activism, and government powers in the UK. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this landmark legal decision and its wider implications.
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Palestine Action is a pro-Palestinian protest network that uses direct action tactics to shut down and disrupt multinational arms dealers. In particular, the group targets UK-based operations that provide weapons used in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
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Shabana Mahmood is a British Labour Party politician and barrister serving as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Ladywood since 2010. She has served in the Shadow Cabinet of Keir Starmer as the Labour Party National Campaign Coordinator since 2021.
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