UK Supreme Court hears appeal over Palestine Action proscription in London

The United Kingdom's Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal challenging the government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The two-day hearing opened in London on Wednesday, drawing protesters outside the court as the case got under way. Police arrested demonstrators who gathered to oppose the ban.

The appeal centres on the government's July decision last year to proscribe the direct action group under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, has said she will argue that the ban has a disproportionate effect on freedom of speech and the right to protest. The group's designation places it on the same legal list as organisations such as al-Qaeda and ISIL, and those found guilty of belonging to or supporting it can face up to 14 years in prison.

About 25 protesters were arrested outside the court, according to the Press Association. Some of those present held placards in support of Palestine Action, while others opposed the proscription on civil liberties grounds. One sign referred to support for Palestine and Palestine Action, while another was linked to a message previously posted online by Sarah Helm, who is married to the Prime Minister's national security adviser.

The arrests prompted criticism from Amnesty International's UK law and human rights director, Tom Southerden, who said the episode showed the consequences of what he called a grave misuse of terrorism powers. The case has become a test of how far the government can go in using counter-terrorism law against a protest movement. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Liberty, have criticised the ban, arguing that it risks chilling lawful speech and protest.

The hearing also comes against the backdrop of continuing debate in the UK over the balance between national security powers and civil liberties, particularly where political activism and direct action are concerned. Palestine Action describes itself as a direct action movement opposed to what it calls Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime. Its proscription has already made it one of the most contested uses of terrorism legislation in recent years, with supporters saying the measure is excessive and opponents arguing it is necessary for public safety.

The Supreme Court hearing is therefore being watched closely by campaigners, legal observers and government critics alike. What remains unclear is how the court will rule and whether the appeal could alter the legal status of the group. The hearing is scheduled to continue for two days, and any judgment could have wider implications for future protest-related prosecutions and the use of proscription powers.

For now, the immediate focus remains on the court process in London and the arrests made outside it as the case unfolds.

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