The Court of Appeal in London opened its hearing into the British government’s challenge against a ruling that found the ban on Palestine Action unlawful, with proceedings running from Tuesday morning until the afternoon and due to continue on Wednesday.
The case centres on a February Supreme Court judgment which held that the group’s proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 was “disproportionate,” while allowing the ban to remain in place pending appeal.
The Home Office is seeking to overturn that rulings, arguing the designation was justified and maintaining that Palestine Action remains a serious security concern. The group was proscribed in July 2025 following an incident in which activists entered a Royal Air Force (RAF) base and damaged military aircraft.
The appeal was brought after co-founder Huda Ammori challenged the legality of the ban, which she previously described as an unlawful restriction on protest rights.
Tuesday’s hearing also drew attention to a public letter of support signed by around 1 700 academics, writers and cultural figures.
The letter was delivered to the court and read aloud during proceedings. It said: “We oppose genocide, we support Palestine Action.”
The case remains ongoing, with further submissions expected when the hearing resumes on Wednesday.
Many representatives and human rights organisations have expressed concern since the government banned the group. – AA