Finance
UK granted permission to appeal ruling that Palestine Action ban was unlawful
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 25, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Summary
Britain’s High Court gave the government permission to appeal a ruling that its proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful. The ban, imposed on July 5, 2025, stays in place while the appeal proceeds.
UK Wins Leave to Appeal Ruling That Palestine Action Ban Was Unlawful
Court Permission and Appeal Status
LONDON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The British government was on Wednesday given permission to appeal against a ruling that its ban on pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful.
Background on Proscription
Palestine Action was proscribed in July, having increasingly taken "direct action" against Israel-linked defence companies in Britain, often blocking entrances or spraying red paint.
Ban Remains Pending Appeal
High Court Ruling Declared Unlawful
London's High Court ruled this month that the ban was unlawful, but on Wednesday granted Britain's interior ministry permission to challenge its ruling, saying the ban would remain in place pending the appeal.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •Britain’s High Court granted the government permission to appeal a ruling that found proscribing Palestine Action unlawful.
- •Judges had ruled the 2025 proscription disproportionate and inconsistent with policy, citing free speech and assembly concerns.
- •The ban, imposed on July 5, 2025, remains in force while the appeal proceeds.
- •Palestine Action targets Israel-linked defence firms such as Elbit Systems, raising regulatory and reputational risks for companies.
- •Next steps hinge on the Court of Appeal timetable; the outcome could shape future use of UK terrorism proscription powers.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK granted permission to appeal ruling that Palestine Action ban was unlawful
1What is the main topic?
The UK government was granted permission to appeal a High Court ruling that its ban on Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful. The ban remains in effect during the appeal.
2Why did the High Court find the ban unlawful?
Judges said the proscription was disproportionate and inconsistent with policy, significantly interfering with freedom of expression and assembly, even while noting the group’s criminal actions.
3Does the ban remain in place during the appeal?
Yes. Although the court ruled the proscription unlawful, it allowed the ban to remain in force pending the government’s appeal, meaning membership or support can still carry legal risk.