Supreme Court to hear Palestine Action ban appeal after 117 arrests

Westminster saw the largest single-day protest arrest operation in recent memory on 30 July, as 117 people were detained outside the Magistrates’ Court. The Metropolitan Police said the majority were arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed under terrorism legislation in July 2025. Four others face charges of encouraging or assisting a criminal offence.

The arrests coincided with a legal milestone. The Supreme Court granted Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, permission to appeal the ban. The court’s decision, published on the same day, allows a challenge on the grounds that the Home Secretary misapplied her own policy. A separate bid to argue the ban breaches free speech rights was rejected.

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A ban upheld, then contested

The Home Office banned Palestine Action after a series of direct actions targeting Elbit Systems, an Israeli-owned defence firm with UK sites. Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acted on advice from police and security services, citing criminal damage exceeding £1 million. The High Court initially ruled the ban unlawful, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in June 2026.

Five senior judges concluded the proscription was lawful, setting a precedent for how terrorism legislation can be applied to protest groups. The Supreme Court will now examine whether Cooper followed correct procedure. A hearing is scheduled between October and December, with the case expedited due to its national significance.

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This unprecedented attack on free speech and the right to protest in this country is already having a chilling effect at a time when speaking out about Israel’s crimes could not be more urgent.

Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action

Protests and prosecutions

The 30 July protest, organised by Defend Our Juries, was billed as a “Graduation Day” for 1,579 people facing charges under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act. Participants took turns declaring support for Palestine Action from a stage. Among those arrested was Sir Jonathan Porritt, former director of Friends of the Earth and long-time adviser to King Charles.

The Metropolitan Police had warned that expressing support for a proscribed organisation would lead to arrest. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said the law was clear and that other avenues existed to voice opinions on Gaza without criminality. Defend Our Juries disputed this, calling the arrests an assault on democracy and civil liberties.

What happens next

The Supreme Court’s ruling will determine whether the ban stands. If Ammori’s appeal succeeds, Palestine Action could be removed from the list of proscribed organisations. If it fails, the group may take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would robustly defend the ban. She stated the Court of Appeal found Palestine Action had carried out acts of terrorism and promoted violence. The Home Office maintains the ban does not restrict lawful protest in support of Palestine.

For the 2,000 people facing trial, the outcome remains uncertain. Westminster Magistrates’ Court had listed their cases in error, but many defendants said they felt compelled to attend. The Met confirmed the hearings were adjourned, though no new dates have been set.