UK High Court Rules Palestine Action Terror Designation Disproportionate, Home Secretary Mahmood Plans Appeal

On Friday 13 February, the British High Court ruled that the designation of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was disproportionate, with Judge Victoria Sharp saying the ban resulted in a "very substantial breach of the rights to freedom of expression and to assembly".

“British justice rules Palestine Action ban 'disproportionate' In the United Kingdom, the courts have found that the government's ban on the militant group Palestine Action, designated a terrorist organization in July, was 'disproportionate' and infringed on freedom of expression”

France 24

Sharp also said the ban remained in force until further notice and gave until 20 February for both sides to submit new legal arguments, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced her intention to appeal.

France 24

RFI reported that the decision could “remettre en cause les inculpations de centaines de ses partisans,” and that the Home Office would appeal immediately after the ruling.

France 24 described the same ruling as a setback for Keir Starmer’s Labour government, noting that the court found the government’s July 2025 ban infringed freedom of expression.

After the decision was announced, dozens of Palestine Action supporters gathered outside Westminster Court and Huda Ammori said on X, "WE'VE WON," as the court’s order to annul the ban was proposed but the ban stayed active for now.

Jurist.org said the UK Court of Appeal held unanimously on Monday that the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a “terrorist” organization is lawful, and it reported that the Metropolitan Police arrested 117 protesters from outside the court for supporting the advocacy group.

Jurist.org also said the appellate court concluded the designation passed the proportionality test and emphasized that citizens may still voice support for the Palestinian cause through peaceful protests.

Jurist.org

Amnesty International, as quoted by Jurist.org, described the ban as “a grave misuse of counter-terrorism powers,” while Jurist.org reported that Justice Jeremy Johnson at the Woolwich Crown Court told four activists known as the “Filton 4” they would face prison sentences for maintaining a “terrorist connection.”

RFI reported that at the announcement of the decision, dozens of Palestine Action supporters “explosé de joie” in front of the tribunal, and it quoted Huda Ammori saying on X, « Nous avons gagné ».

Jurist.org added that the convictions arose from a 2024 break-in of an Elbit Systems factory that resulted in $1.6 million reported damage, linking criminal damage to a terrorism penalty in the activists’ sentencing.

Le Parisien said the High Court ruled the ban was “disproportionate,” and it reported that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the appeal was necessary to "maintain the ability to act to protect national security."

“On Friday, February 13, the British High Court ruled that the designation of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization by the British government, made on July 5, 2025, was 'illegal”

Le Monde.fr

Le Parisien also reported that the judge scheduled a new hearing for February 20 so the government could submit new arguments, while noting that the ban remained in effect until further notice.

RFI reported that the decision could call into question the charges against hundreds of supporters, but it also said that people gathered outside the tribunal carrying panels “Je soutiens Palestine Action” could still be prosecuted and sentenced to six months in prison.

France 24 said nearly 3,000 people, including some aged over 80, have been arrested and hundreds more charged for demonstrating their support for Palestine Action at protests since July.

Jurist.org further said the court found that the Home Secretary may consider consequences for police operations when proscribing a terrorist organization, and it stated that the effectiveness of the proscription in law enforcement is a highly significant factor in the balancing exercise.