Palestine Action Ban: Supreme Court to Review Controversial Decision

Protesters Rally Outside Court

On Thursday, a large group of protesters gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court, with 117 arrests made by the Metropolitan Police. The majority were detained for expressing support for Palestine Action, a group banned under terrorism legislation.

The arrests came as a surprise to many, as the defendants had been told their cases were listed in error and they didn’t need to attend court.

A Major Blow to the Home Office

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the appeal is a significant setback for the Home Office. The appeal, brought by Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori, challenges the ban on the group, which came into effect in July 2025.

The BBC understands that the appeal is based on Ammori’s argument that the ban infringes on human rights.

The Battle Over the Ban

The controversy surrounding Palestine Action has been ongoing for over a year. The group was initially banned by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, following a series of break-ins targeting Israeli-owned defence firms.

The High Court ruled the ban unlawful, but this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which unanimously decided that the Home Secretary had acted within her powers.

Now, the Supreme Court will review this decision, potentially setting a precedent for terrorism legislation in the UK.

A Crackdown on Solidarity?

Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori sees the appeal as a chance to challenge what she calls “one of the most extreme attacks on free speech and the right to protest in modern British history.” She believes the arrests are part of a wider crackdown on Palestinian solidarity.

The Home Office maintains that the ban is not about stifling protest but about addressing significant criminal damage caused by the group.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for both the group and the interpretation of terrorism legislation in the UK.