UK Government Files Appeal Against Decision to Lift Ban on Pro-Palestinian Group
LONDON — The British government returned to the High Court on Tuesday, appealing a February decision that lifted the ban on the pro‑Palestinian group Palestine Action.
Lawyers for the Home Office argued that the earlier ruling had “overstated and wrong” described the ban’s impact on human rights. The government banned Palestine Action in July 2025 after activists broke into an air force base in southern England, causing millions of pounds in damage to two aircraft.
In February, a three‑judge panel ruled the ban was “disproportionate” and amounted to a “very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and free assembly.” The government now seeks to overturn that decision.
The ban, imposed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, placed Palestine Action alongside Hamas and Hezbollah on a terror blacklist. Membership or support for the group became a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The group’s co‑founder, Huda Ammori, challenged the ban in court.
Government lawyer James Eadie told the court that criminal law had “demonstrably failed” to stop the group’s escalating activities, and that Palestine Action met the statutory definition of being “concerned in terrorism.” The hearing is expected to conclude Thursday.
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