UK court rules Palestine Action ban unlawful in free speech victory

Co-founder Huda Ammori successfully challenged the ban at a London High Court trial, where judges determined the proscription violated free speech principles. "The High Court ruled the Palestine Action ban is unlawful as it is disproportionate to free speech and the Home Secretary breached her own policy," Ammori announced on social media platform X. The court ordered the ban quashed, though implementation of the ruling awaits finalization at a later date.

Judicial reasoning and government response

In its published summary, the court concluded that the proscription was "disproportionate" and that "the nature and scale of its activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood immediately announced plans to appeal, stating the original ban "followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process" endorsed by Parliament. She expressed disappointment with the ruling, defending the designation as necessary.

Background of the ban

Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization in July 2025 under the UK Terrorism Act following incidents including a break-in at a Royal Air Force base where members spray-painted two aircraft, causing approximately £7 million ($9.44 million) in damage. Hundreds of pro-Palestine activists have been arrested across Britain since the ban took effect, making the group a flashpoint in debates over protest rights and national security.

Political reactions and wider context

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the ruling as an "enormous victory for the Palestinian solidarity movement, for civil liberties and for our common humanity." He criticized the government's broader Middle East policy, stating "the real crime is this government's complicity in genocide," referring to Israel's military campaign in Gaza which has killed over 71,000 Palestinians. The case highlights growing tensions between British authorities and pro-Palestinian activism amid ongoing conflict in the region, a matter of significant concern for nations including Türkiye that closely follow developments affecting Palestinian rights.