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High Court Says UK’s Palestine Action Ban Was Unlawful, But Stays Proscription

Judges found the designation disproportionate, with further submissions due by February 20 pending a government appeal.

Overview

  • Three judges ruled the proscription breached rights and policy constraints, proposing to quash it but keeping the ban in force for now.
  • The court said only a very small number of Palestine Action’s activities met the legal definition of terrorism and that general criminal law remains available.
  • Membership of or support for the group remains a serious offence carrying up to 14 years’ imprisonment while the stay is in place.
  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was disappointed by the ruling and intends to challenge it in the Court of Appeal.
  • Since the July 2025 ban, government data cites 1,630 arrests to September while campaigners claim about 2,700 overall; FOI data shows £694,390 in Home Office legal costs, with policing costs reported in the millions, and the proscription followed a June 2025 break‑in at RAF Brize Norton.