UK Court of Appeal Upholds Palestine Action Terrorist Designation
The UK Court of Appeal upheld Palestine Action’s designation as a terrorist group.
Why it matters: This ruling shapes the legal framework for terrorism designations and impacts civil liberties, including protest rights. Legal professionals should watch evolving government powers and extremism laws closely.
- Court of Appeal overturned a February 2026 High Court ruling that found the proscription unlawful.
- 117 protesters were arrested outside the court after the June 15, 2026, ruling.
- Since July 2025 proscription, over 3,000 arrests and 700 terrorism charges related to Palestine Action.
- Four activists received prison terms between 4 years 8 months and 7 years 8 months for a 2024 Elbit Systems raid causing £1.2 million in damages.
On June 15, 2026, the UK Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the government's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, reversing an earlier ruling by the High Court in February that had deemed the proscription unlawful. The group was first proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 in July 2025, making membership or support a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The Court emphasized that Palestine Action operates covertly, using secret cells to evade detection while engaging in violent acts such as property destruction and causing injury. Chief Justice Sue Carr stated, "It is not, as claimed, a direct action civil disobedience protest group like the suffragettes, operating transparently in the open."
Palestine Action is known for direct action protests targeting defense companies, notably Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer. A 2024 raid on an Elbit Systems facility resulted in £1.2 million in damages and caused a police officer to sustain a fractured spine. Four activists involved received prison sentences ranging from four years and eight months to seven years and eight months for their roles in this event.
Following the Court of Appeal's ruling, the Metropolitan Police arrested 117 protesters outside the court for showing support of Palestine Action. Since the proscription took effect, over 3,000 individuals have been arrested for supporting the group, with more than 700 charged under terrorism laws.
Human Rights Watch and other civil liberties advocates have criticized the ruling, warning it could further restrict protest rights in the UK. Tom Bell, UK Director at Human Rights Watch, said, "This damaging ruling... will likely further inhibit the right to protest in the UK and globally."
The decision underscores ongoing tensions between national security concerns and civil liberties, making it a pivotal case for legal experts monitoring government powers related to terrorism and protest legislation.
By the numbers:
- 117 — protesters arrested outside Court of Appeal after ruling
- 3,000+ — individuals arrested since Palestine Action proscription in July 2025
- 700+ — individuals charged under terrorism laws for supporting Palestine Action
Yes, but: While the Court of Appeal upheld the designation, details on the court’s full legal rationale remain limited, and further appeals or legal challenges may arise.