World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
UK Supreme Court hears appeal against Palestine Action’s proscription
The UK Supreme Court has begun hearing a challenge to the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a “terrorist” organisation. The appeal, brought by co-founder Huda Ammori, argues that the ban disproportionately restricts freedom of speech and the right to protest, making the case significant for civil liberties and the scope of terrorism powers.
The two-day hearing began in London on Wednesday, while about 25 demonstrators outside the court were arrested, according to the Press Association. The ban, imposed in July last year, means people found guilty of belonging to or supporting the group can face up to 14 years in prison; Amnesty International and Liberty have called for it to be lifted. Ammori says the group uses tactics such as graffiti, vandalism, occupations and lock-ons, and that more than 4,000 people have been arrested for peacefully opposing Israel’s war on Gaza.
In short
- The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to Palestine Action’s proscription.
- About 25 protesters were arrested outside the court.
- Supporters say the ban threatens protest and free speech.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The government can argue that proscription is justified if Palestine Action’s conduct poses a serious risk to people or property, and that disrupting the group may prevent further harm. Terrorism powers are intended to address such risks, and the state has a duty to protect public safety; the court must weigh those concerns alongside the rights claimed by the appellants.
The case against
Ammori and civil-liberties advocates can argue that a ban carrying severe prison penalties sweeps too broadly when the group’s reported tactics include protest actions such as occupations, graffiti and lock-ons. They contend that ordinary criminal laws can address damage or disruption, while proscription risks chilling lawful speech and peaceful protest, including opposition to the war in Gaza.
Explained simply
Palestine Action is a protest group that says it campaigns against companies it believes supply weapons to Israel. Its tactics have included occupying sites, graffiti and damaging property, which the group describes as direct action.
The government added the group to its list of proscribed organisations in July 2025. Under UK law, belonging to or showing support for a proscribed group can lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
The case concerns how far the government can use terrorism laws against a protest group, and how those powers interact with freedom of speech and the right to protest. These rights are protected in UK law, but can be subject to legal limits.