UK Court of Appeal Upholds Ban on Palestine Action as Terrorist Group
The Court of Appeal has upheld the Labour Government's decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist group. The UK Government's proscription of Palestine Action was initially deemed unlawful by the High Court in February. Despite this, the ban was allowed to remain in place while the Home Office appealed the ruling, leading to continued arrests of individuals suspected of supporting the group. The Court of Appeal, consisting of Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Edis, Lord Justice Lewis, and Lady Justice Whipple, delivered their ruling on Monday morning.
Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr acknowledged that the proscription of Palestine Action significantly impacted freedom of expression and assembly rights under Articles 10 and 11. However, the judges ultimately concluded that the ban was a justified and proportionate measure. The proscription, which took effect on July 5, 2025, criminalized membership of or support for the direct action group, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. The decision to proscribe Palestine Action was implemented by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and has been maintained as UK Government policy under her successor, Shabana Mahmood.
In summary, the Court of Appeal has affirmed the legality of the Labour Government's ban on Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The decision to proscribe the group was deemed lawful and proportionate, despite the significant impact on freedom of expression and assembly rights. The ban remains in effect, making membership of or support for Palestine Action a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.