UK High Court Rules Palestine Action Group Ban Was Illegal

The court found the government's decision to outlaw the activist group was unlawful.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom ruled on Friday that the government's decision to outlaw the activist group Palestine Action, designating it as a terrorist organization, was unlawful. The court found the government's actions were disproportionate and violated the group's right to freedom of expression.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant victory for Palestine Action, which has faced a crackdown from UK authorities for its protests and direct actions targeting companies accused of supplying weapons to Israel. The decision raises questions about the government's approach to regulating political activism and dissent.

The details

Palestine Action is a UK-based activist group that has carried out numerous protests and direct actions targeting companies it accuses of complicity in Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. In 2021, the UK government designated the group as a terrorist organization, effectively outlawing its activities. However, the High Court has now ruled this decision was unlawful, finding the government's actions were disproportionate and violated the group's right to freedom of expression.

  • The High Court issued its ruling on February 13, 2026.

The players

Palestine Action

A UK-based activist group that has carried out protests and direct actions targeting companies accused of supplying weapons to Israel.

UK Government

The government of the United Kingdom, which designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in 2021, a decision that has now been ruled unlawful by the High Court.

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What they’re saying

“This ruling is a significant victory for Palestine Action and for the right to protest in the UK.”

— Huda Ammori, Spokesperson, Palestine Action

What’s next

The UK government may appeal the High Court's decision, but the ruling is a setback for its efforts to crack down on Palestine Action and similar activist groups.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between the government's desire to restrict political activism it deems disruptive, and the courts' role in protecting fundamental rights like freedom of expression. The High Court's ruling is a reminder that even controversial forms of protest are protected under UK law.