High Court Rules UK Ban on Palestine Action Unlawful
London, 13 February 2026 – The High Court has today delivered a landmark ruling declaring the British government’s decision to proscribe the activist network Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation to be unlawful. The judgment represents a significant legal defeat for the Home Office, which had moved to ban the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 in June 2025. While the court found the proscription was overreaching, the group remains technically proscribed for the time being pending further procedural steps or potential appeals by the government.
Judicial Review and Legal Victory
The legal challenge was brought forward by the group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, who was granted a judicial review on four specific grounds. On 13 February 2026, the High Court ruled in favour of the activists, stating that the government had overstepped its authority in applying counter-terrorism legislation to a protest group primarily known for direct action against arms manufacturers. Human rights organisations, including Liberty and Amnesty UK, intervened in the case, arguing that the ban was a misuse of national security powers to suppress political dissent.
The ruling follows a week of legal developments for the group. On 11 February 2026, six individuals linked to Palestine Action were acquitted of aggravated burglary charges related to a previous protest. Additionally, recent reports from government anti-terror advisers have cast doubt on claims that the group received funding from Iran, a narrative previously used to support the proscription.
Key Facts: Palestine Action Proscription Timeline
The following table outlines the critical milestones regarding the legal status of Palestine Action in the United Kingdom.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Palestine Action founded as a direct action network in the UK. |
| 23 June 2025 | The UK Government lays a draft order to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. |
| July 2025 | UN experts and human rights groups label the ban a “disturbing misuse” of legislation. |
| 11 February 2026 | Six activists acquitted of aggravated burglary in a UK court. |
| 13 February 2026 | High Court rules the proscription of Palestine Action is unlawful. |
International Developments
While the group has seen success in the British courts, its counterparts in other jurisdictions face ongoing legal pressure. In Australia, the Palestine Action Group recently lost a Supreme Court challenge in New South Wales regarding expanded police powers. These powers were granted during the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, allowing for broader search and seizure authorities in Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palestine Action still a banned organisation?
As of 13 February 2026, the High Court has ruled the ban unlawful. However, legal experts note that the group remains on the proscribed list for a transitional period while the Home Office determines whether to appeal the decision or formally de-proscribe the entity.
What were the grounds for the High Court’s ruling?
The court found that the Home Secretary’s decision to categorise the group’s protest activities as “terrorism” was legally flawed and lacked the necessary evidence to meet the high threshold required by the Terrorism Act 2000.
What is the stated goal of Palestine Action?
The network states its objective is to end British complicity in what it describes as the Israeli apartheid regime, specifically by targeting the operations of arms manufacturers like Elbit Systems through direct action and occupations.