UK decision to ban Palestine Action as ‘terror group’ unlawful, court says

DEVELOPING STORY, Group’s co-founder declares ruling ‘monumental victory both for our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people.’Published On 13 Feb 2026The High Court in the United Kingdom has ruled that the government ban on the pro-Palestinian campaign group called Palestine Action as a “terror group” was unlawful.In a statement responding to the landmark ruling on Friday, Palestine Action’s co-founder Huda Ammori, who had challenged the government’s ban, said the ruling was a huge win for the group.“This is a monumental victory both for our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people, striking down a decision that will forever be remembered as one of the most extreme attacks on free speech in recent British history.”However, the British government immediately said it intended to appeal the court’s ruling.“I am disappointed by ⁠the court’s decision ⁠and disagree with the notion that banning ⁠this terrorist organisation ⁠is disproportionate,” ⁠Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood ⁠said in a statement.“I intend to fight this ‌judgment in the Court of ‌Appeal.”The United Kingdom said last June that it would ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. This put the organisation on par with armed groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) in the UK, making it a criminal offence to belong to the group.The government’s announcement prompted legal battles, criticism from human rights organisations and triggered protests.Among those arrested for supporting the group were some 2,787 people arrested made for terrorism offences for peacefully holding signs saying “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” in silent vigils across the UK, a statement by the campaign group Defend Our Juries said.