London, February 13, 2026: Britain’s ban on pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was ruled unlawful by the High Court on Friday, though the prohibition will temporarily remain in force pending further legal proceedings. The government has announced plans to challenge the verdict.
The group was proscribed in July after authorities cited a pattern of “direct action” targeting Israel-linked defence companies across Britain, including blocking entrances and spraying red paint on facilities. Officials argued the activities amounted to terrorism, referencing a 2024 raid on a factory operated by Elbit Systems that allegedly caused around £1 million in damage and involved an assault on a police officer.
The ban followed a June break-in at RAF Brize Norton, where activists damaged two aircraft—an incident described as “disgraceful” by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Lawyers for co-founder Huda Ammori argued that the proscription represented an authoritarian restriction on the right to protest. Judge Victoria Sharp acknowledged that the group “promotes its political cause through criminality,” but concluded that the ban constituted a disproportionate interference with freedom of expression. A further hearing will determine whether the ban should remain while an appeal is considered.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said she intended to contest the judgment in the Court of Appeal.
The proscription had placed Palestine Action on the same legal footing as extremist organisations such as Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, making membership a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. More than 2,000 people have reportedly been arrested for displaying signs of support for the group, though the ruling could result in charges being reconsidered.
The Metropolitan Police said it would prioritise evidence-gathering over arrests in cases involving expressions of support. Civil liberties advocates, including Amnesty International, had urged authorities to lift the ban, warning it could deter lawful protest.
The decision comes shortly after six individuals charged over the 2024 Elbit raid were acquitted of aggravated burglary, although prosecutors have indicated they will seek a retrial on unresolved counts, including the alleged assault on a police officer.
