The UK government has successfully enforced its decision to have Palestine Action banned after courts rejected urgent appeals to block the move. From Saturday, supporting the group became a criminal offence carrying up to 14 years in prison.
High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain refused an interim block on Friday, stating the public interest in maintaining the ban outweighed potential harms. The Court of Appeal later dismissed a last-ditch challenge, clearing the way for the group’s proscription under terrorism laws.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper moved to have Palestine Action banned following an attack on RAF Brize Norton last month. Activists caused £7m damage to military planes in a protest against UK arms sales to Israel.
The government had been considering proscription since March, but the Brize Norton incident accelerated the process. Palestine Action becomes the first non-violent civil disobedience group designated as terrorists in UK history.
In court, the group’s lawyer Raza Husain KC argued the ban represented an “authoritarian abuse” of power. He stressed Palestine Action doesn’t advocate violence, only disruptive protests like spraying paint on weapons factories.
However, judges ruled the Home Secretary had acted within her powers. The Court of Appeal emphasised such national security decisions properly belong with ministers, not courts.
With Palestine Action banned, the group joins 81 other proscribed organisations including Hamas and al-Qaeda. Consequences include:
- Membership becoming illegal
- Financial support carrying prison sentences
- Promotion of the group prohibited
Activist Ms Ammori warned the move criminalises thousands overnight. She vowed to continue fighting for Palestinian rights and UK protest freedoms.
Four people face charges over the RAF Brize Norton incident. Meanwhile, the ban raises questions about where the line falls between legitimate protest and terrorism in modern Britain.
As the first test case of its kind, the Palestine Action banned decision could set precedents for how governments handle disruptive but non-violent activism in future.
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