The ban means that membership of, or support for, the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Previously, Ben Watson KC, for the Home Office, said Palestine Action could challenge the Home Secretary’s decision at the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (POAC), a specialist tribunal, rather than at the High Court. Sir James Eadie KC, representing the department on Monday, said that an “exceptional case” would be needed for it to go to the High Court, rather than the POAC. “That is an absurd position.”In written submissions, Sir James said that by causing serious damage to property, Palestine Action was “squarely” within part of the terrorism laws used in proscription. The hearing before Mr Justice Chamberlain concluded on Monday, with the judge saying he would give his decision on July 30.

Source: The Times July 21, 2025 22:52 UTC