High Court Overturns Ban on Palestine Action, Sparking Debate on Civil Liberties

On February 13, 2026, the British High Court ruled that the proscription of the direct action group Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000 was unlawful. This decision followed a legal challenge led by co-founder Huda Ammori, who argued that the ban significantly interfered with the rights to freedom of speech and assembly. The court's ruling came after a rigorous legal process and was seen as a victory for civil liberties in Britain. The ban, initially imposed by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in July 2025, had made expressing support for Palestine Action a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The GuardianBritain: Palestine Action ban overturned, activists acquitted

Sally Rooney, the Irish author who supported the legal challenge with witness statements, expressed her satisfaction with the ruling. She stated, “This is a victory not only for the Palestine solidarity movement but also for civil liberties in Britain.” Rooney emphasized that the use of the Terrorism Act against a protest group was unprecedented and unlawful. However, the High Court's judgment did not fully align with Rooney's views, as the judges characterized Palestine Action as an organization that promotes its political cause through criminality.

The Guardian

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed disappointment with the ruling, asserting that the proscription was based on a thorough decision-making process aimed at protecting national security. She announced plans to appeal the judgment, citing the court's findings that Palestine Action was not a non-violent organization.

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The ruling has broader implications for the right to protest in the UK. Amnesty International described it as a vital affirmation of protest rights, stating that the decision sends a clear message against the misuse of counter-terrorism powers to suppress dissent. Activists celebrated the ruling as a monumental victory, with Ammori stating that the ban was an extreme attack on free speech, motivated by political pressures rather than genuine security concerns.

Britain: Palestine Action ban overturned, activists acquitted

Despite the court's ruling, Palestine Action remains temporarily banned as the Home Office prepares to appeal. The court's decision to keep the ban in place pending further arguments has led to ongoing discussions about the balance between national security and civil liberties.

Britain: Palestine Action ban overturned, activists acquitted

While the High Court acknowledged the significant interference with civil liberties, it also rejected the notion that Palestine Action was engaged in non-violent civil disobedience. This contradiction highlights the complexity of defining violence in the context of protest actions, raising philosophical and legal questions about the nature of civil disobedience.

The Guardian

• “This is a victory not only for the Palestine solidarity movement but also for civil liberties in Britain.” — Sally Rooney, Author

The Guardian

• “Banning Palestine Action was always about appeasing pro-Israel lobby groups and weapons manufacturers, and nothing to do with terrorism …” — Huda Ammori, Co-founder of Palestine Action

Britain: Palestine Action ban overturned, activists acquitted

• “sends a clear message: the Government cannot simply reach for sweeping counter-terrorism powers to silence critics or suppress dissent” — Amnesty International Statement

Britain: Palestine Action ban overturned, activists acquitted

The ongoing legal battles and public discourse surrounding Palestine Action underscore the tensions between governmental authority and individual rights in the context of political activism.

The Guardian