UK court rules Palestine Action ban unlawful; police shift enforcement approach

2026-02-13 - 12:55

The Metropolitan Police announced a calibrated enforcement approach Friday after the High Court ruled that the UK government's proscription of Palestine Action under terrorism legislation was "disproportionate" and unlawful. Judges determined the group's activities had not reached "the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription," though the ban remains in place pending government appeal. Evidence-Gathering Over Arrests Acknowledging the "unusual circumstances" may confuse the public, Met Police stated officers will "continue to identify offences where support for Palestine Action is being expressed, but they will focus on gathering evidence... rather than making arrests at the time." The force described this as the most proportionate approach while legal proceedings remain uncompleted. The clarification comes after the July 2025 ban, triggered by members spray-painting aircraft at a Royal Air Force base. Enforcement Parameters Police emphasized the approach applies "solely to the expression of support for Palestine Action." They will continue intervening and arresting where activities cross "from lawful protest to intimidate, to damage property, to use violence, to stir up racial hatred or to commit other offences." The government has indicated it will appeal the ruling, leaving the group's legal status unresolved. Legal Challenge The ban was challenged by Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori. The High Court's ruling criticizes the initial proscription decision while allowing time for further legal arguments.