UK High Court Refuses Bid to Halt Palestine Action Ban
High Court rejects challenge to block proscription of Palestine Action as terrorist organisation ahead of full hearing.
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The UK High Court has declined an urgent request to pause the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The decision paves the way for the ban to take effect as scheduled, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expected to finalise the order imminently and the ban to take effect at midnight.
Co-founder Huda Ammori challenged the ban, arguing that Palestine Action's non-violent direct action—such as spraying red paint on military aircraft and disrupting arms companies—should not be criminalised under terrorism legislation.
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Her legal team said that they will seek an "urgent appeal" to prevent a "dystopian nightmare".
Mr Justice Chamberlain denied a temporary injunction, stating that the group must seek recourse at the Court of Appeal immediately.
The High Court’s refusal follows significant activism by Palestine Action, including a high-profile incident at RAF Brize Norton, where activists caused damage to two Voyager refuelling planes—a key factor in the government’s decision to classify the group as a terror threat.
Civil liberties advocates and pro-Palestinian activists have denounced the move, describing it as a dangerous expansion of anti-terror powers potentially stifling peaceful protest.
A full judicial review is scheduled for July 21.