Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful but group remains proscribed for now

Dominic Casciani
Home and legal correspondent

The High Court has ruled that the ban of Palestine Action under terrorism legislation is unlawful – but it remains in place for now.

In a massive blow to the Home Office, three senior judges said that while Palestine Action use criminality to promote its aims its activities had not crossed the very high bar to make it a terrorist organisation.

The judges however ruled the ban must remain in place until a further hearing later in February as to what should happen next – including the possibility of a government appeal.

The decision means that while the group has successfully challenged the ban, expressing support for Palestine Action or taking part in its activities remains a serious criminal offence.

This is a developing story. We’ll bring you more information in just a moment.