Palestine Action launches High Court bid to stop terror ban
What happened
Palestine Action is challenging the UK government’s decision to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000. The group has launched a judicial review and is seeking a temporary injunction to prevent the ban from taking effect while legal proceedings continue. The Home Office has laid a draft order before Parliament, which, if approved, would make membership or support of Palestine Action a criminal offence, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
An urgent High Court hearing has already taken place, with further sessions scheduled to determine whether the challenge can proceed and whether the injunction will be granted.
Why it matters
This is the first time a UK protest group faces being banned under anti-terror legislation, raising major civil liberties questions. If successful, the proscription would set a precedent for how the government treats direct-action protest groups, particularly those focused on Palestinian solidarity or anti-military campaigns. Critics warn it could blur the line between terrorism and civil disobedience, expanding the state’s ability to suppress dissent.
Reaction
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the decision, describing it as a “legitimate response” to what she called a long pattern of “unacceptable criminal damage” by the group, referencing a recent incident at RAF Brize Norton.
In contrast, Amnesty International and Liberty submitted formal statements raising concerns about the misuse of counterterrorism powers to silence protest, warning that the move may violate freedom of expression and association under UK and international law.
What next
The draft proscription order must be approved by Parliament to become law. In the meantime, the High Court will consider the group’s request for a temporary block on the order and determine whether a full judicial review will go ahead. The legal and political outcome could influence how future protest groups are treated and whether anti-terror powers are subject to stricter oversight.