Ban on Palestine Action ‘massively backfired’, says group’s co-founder

A co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, is calling for the suspension of the group's ban after the High Court in London ruled it unlawful on Friday. Three judges found the ban disproportionate, interfering with protest and free speech rights. The proscription order remains in place while the Home Secretary considers an appeal, leaving over 2,500 people in legal limbo. Ammori argues that maintaining the ban is illogical, given its unlawful status, especially considering the hundreds charged under the Terrorism Act for protesting the ban. The Home Secretary maintains the ban followed a rigorous process. Ammori expressed confidence the ban will eventually be lifted.

In February 2026, the UK High Court ruled that the government's ban on Palestine Action was unlawful. The pro-Palestinian campaign group had been designated as a 'terror group' by the government. Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, brought the case against the government's decision. The ruling was delivered at the High Court in London. The court determined the ban was unlawful, reversing the government's prior designation.

The UK High Court ruled the Home Secretary's ban on Palestine Action unlawful, citing infringements on freedom of speech and assembly, and a breach of the Home Secretary's policy on proscription. While the ban hasn't been immediately quashed, the court indicated it would likely be removed pending further submissions from both parties, including a potential appeal by the Home Secretary. Since the ban's implementation on July 5th, nearly 3,000 people have been arrested under the Terrorism Act, primarily for expressing support for Palestine, with over 500 charged. The future of these charges remains uncertain as the ban's status is pending and the Home Secretary intends to appeal the court's decision.

In February 2026, the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, stated that the UK government's ban on the group had backfired. This statement followed a High Court ruling that deemed the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a "terror" organization unlawful. The ruling and Ammori's comments highlight the legal challenge to the government's decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist entity. The core issue revolves around the legality and justification of the government's ban on the organization. The location of these events is the UK.

In February 2026, the UK High Court ruled the government's ban of Palestine Action as a "terror group" unlawful. The pro-Palestinian campaign group's co-founder hailed the ruling as a victory for free speech and the Palestinian cause. The UK government, which banned Palestine Action in June under anti-terrorism laws, expressed disappointment and announced its intention to appeal the court's decision. The ban, which equated the group to organizations like al-Qaeda, had criminalized membership and led to arrests of supporters. The government argued the ban was necessary, while critics cited concerns about free speech and human rights.

The UK High Court has ruled that the government's ban on Palestine Action was unlawful. The pro-Palestine activist group, which engages in direct action, was proscribed under anti-terrorism laws in July 2023, making membership or support a criminal offense. This categorization alongside groups like ISIS drew widespread condemnation and civil disobedience, leading to over 2,000 arrests. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, challenged the ban in court. The judges, led by Dame Victoria Sharp, overturned the proscription following a trial that concluded in December.

The UK High Court ruled the British government's ban on Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian protest group, unlawful. The ruling challenges the government's decision to classify the group as a terrorist organization, a designation that drew criticism for potentially infringing on free speech and protest rights. Palestine Action members have engaged in property damage targeting facilities linked to an Israeli weapons manufacturer and a British air force base. The government's ban, enacted in July, has led to numerous arrests for simply supporting the group, and was the first time the UK government had used such powers against a group for "serious damage to property". The government can appeal the High Court's decision.