Ruling against Palestine Action ban is embarrassing defeat for the government

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondentFebruary 13, 2026 at 04:40 PM

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long article 4 min

A UK court overturned the government's ban on Palestine Action, deeming it "disproportionate" and a violation of free speech. The ban, initiated in June of the previous year, targeted the group for causing "serious property damage" to sites of companies like Elbit Systems, which it accused of complicity in the genocide against Palestinians. Critics, including legal experts, security officials, and NGOs, argued the ban was an inappropriate use of the Terrorism Act, typically reserved for groups promoting violence against people. Concerns arose that the ban was motivated by a desire to suppress pro-Palestinian voices, especially after reports of government meetings with Elbit and Israeli officials and unsubstantiated claims about Iranian funding. The ruling marks an embarrassing defeat for the government, which faced accusations of prioritizing political interests over civil liberties.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Iran 40% Campaign Against Antisemitism 50% We Believe in Israel 50% Islamic State 50% Boko Haram 50% Jonathan Hall KC 60% Yvette Cooper 60% Gaza Strip 60% Elbit Systems ×270% Terrorism Act 2000 ×270% UK 80% Palestine Action ×1090%

Keywords

palestine action ban 100% freedom of speech 80% direct action 70% terrorism act 2000 70% elbit systems 60% pro-palestinian voices 60% government defeat 50% judicial review 50% israeli arms manufacturer 40%