The UK High Court has said in a ruling that the government’s decision to ban activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful. The court found that then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to ban the group was disproportionate, raising questions about the arrests of almost 3000 people at solidarity protests.&nbsp;However, Judge Victoria Sharp ruled that the ban remains in place pending an appeal by the government.Human rights activists had argued that the ban represented a sweeping overreach of government power, risked criminalising political dissent, and set a far-reaching precedent for the use of anti-terror laws against protest movements.&nbsp;The group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, had challenged the British government’s decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws. As many as 2,787 people were arrested at protests nationwide since July.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-rules-based-world-order-no-longer-exists-says-chancellor-friedrich-merz-at-munich-security-conference-1770994111300">‘Rules-based world order no longer exists,’ says Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Munich Security Conference</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;London's Metropolitan Police on Friday acknowledged “there will likely be some confusion,” among the public following the government’s announcement to appeal the decision. It said that officers will no longer be making arrests in relation to Palestine Action support but will continue to “focus on gathering evidence.”&nbsp;After the court’s ruling, crowds who had gathered outside London’s High Court erupted in cheers and chants of “Free free Palestine.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Home Office has spent nearly £700,000 on the case, said Ammori, citing a Freedom of Information request.The case followed a three-day judicial review in December, where lawyers for the group’s co-founder argued the ban was “an extraordinary and unlawful escalation against political dissent.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bnp-sweeps-to-power-with-two-thirds-majority-tarique-rahman-poised-to-be-pm-1770988570665">BNP sweeps to power with two-thirds majority; Tarique Rahman poised to be PM</a>&nbsp;Palestine Action is a UK-based group that aims to disrupt the operations of weapons manufacturers connected to the Israeli government and its war in Gaza. The group was founded by Ammori and climate activist Richard Barnard in 2020, when it took its first action to shut down the UK operations of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Palestine Action has also occupied, blockaded, spray-painted, and disrupted the Israeli-French drone company UAV Tactical Systems and the global arms giant Leonardo.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ai-will-replace-most-white-collar-jobs-soon-says-microsoft-ai-head-mustafa-suleyman-1770916772093">‘AI will replace most white-collar jobs soon,’ says Microsoft AI head Mustafa Suleyman</a>&nbsp;The group’s late June 2025 action at the RAF Brize Norton air base, where activists vandalised two Airbus Voyager refuelling planes with paint and crowbars, led to its banning.Government lawyers argued that the proscription of the group was a necessary national security measure.

The Palestine Action group’s late June 2025 action at the RAF Brize Norton air base, where activists vandalised two Airbus Voyager refuelling planes with paint and crowbars, led to its banning. Government lawyers argued that its proscription was a necessary national security measure.

The UK High Court has said in a ruling that the government’s decision to ban activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful. The court found that then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to ban the group was disproportionate, raising questions about the arrests of almost 3000 people at solidarity protests. However, Judge Victoria Sharp ruled that the ban remains in place pending an appeal by the government. Human rights activists had argued that the ban represented a sweeping overreach of government power, risked criminalising political dissent, and set a far-reaching precedent for the use of anti-terror laws against protest movements. The group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, had challenged the British government’s decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws. As many as 2,787 people were arrested at protests nationwide since July. Also Read: ‘Rules-based world order no longer exists,’ says Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Munich Security Conference London's Metropolitan Police on Friday acknowledged “there will likely be some confusion,” among the public following the government’s announcement to appeal the decision. It said that officers will no longer be making arrests in relation to Palestine Action support but will continue to “focus on gathering evidence.” After the court’s ruling, crowds who had gathered outside London’s High Court erupted in cheers and chants of “Free free Palestine.” The Home Office has spent nearly £700,000 on the case, said Ammori, citing a Freedom of Information request. The case followed a three-day judicial review in December, where lawyers for the group’s co-founder argued the ban was “an extraordinary and unlawful escalation against political dissent.” Also Read: BNP sweeps to power with two-thirds majority; Tarique Rahman poised to be PM Palestine Action is a UK-based group that aims to disrupt the operations of weapons manufacturers connected to the Israeli government and its war in Gaza. The group was founded by Ammori and climate activist Richard Barnard in 2020, when it took its first action to shut down the UK operations of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer. Palestine Action has also occupied, blockaded, spray-painted, and disrupted the Israeli-French drone company UAV Tactical Systems and the global arms giant Leonardo. Also Read: ‘AI will replace most white-collar jobs soon,’ says Microsoft AI head Mustafa Suleyman The group’s late June 2025 action at the RAF Brize Norton air base, where activists vandalised two Airbus Voyager refuelling planes with paint and crowbars, led to its banning. Government lawyers argued that the proscription of the group was a necessary national security measure.

The Palestine Action group’s late June 2025 action at the RAF Brize Norton air base, where activists vandalised two Airbus Voyager refuelling planes with paint and crowbars, led to its banning. Government lawyers argued that its proscription was a necessary national security measure.

UK High Court says terror tag, ban on activist group Palestine Action ‘unlawful’

Three prisoners linked to Palestine Action have ended a 73-day-long hunger strike, which is considered to be one of the longest hunger strikes in the UK since the 1981 Irish Republican hunger strike. The prisoner decided to end their strikes after the UK government decided against awarding a £2bn contract to the Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems. Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello were the last three remaining to end their hunger strike. Four others had previously paused their hunger strike and decided not to renew it.Muraisi and Ahmed, who were on hunger strike for 73 days, while Chiaramello was on day 46 when the hunger strike ended. The group has claimed that the cancellation of the contract is a “resounding” victory and asserted that they are working towards the complete expulsion of the Elbit systems. Under the supposed contract the Elbit Systems would have trained 60,000 British troops a year. The company has acquired at least 10 public contracts since 2012, so the decision was a public shift in the mindset of the government.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unicef-israeli-troops-killed-100-children-gaza-since-ceasefire-1768392375940">'Survival remains conditional': Over 100 Palestinian children killed since 'ceasefire' in Gaza</a><h2>Why did Israel-linked Elbit Systems lose the contract?</h2>According to reports by the Guardian, Israel-linked Elbit Systems lost out to a consortium led by Raytheon UK, following whistleblowers' complaints about the breaking of protocols by Elbit. The whistleblower claimed that a former senior British army officer provided sensitive information about the company during the bidding process. Elbit has also been banned by NATO from bidding in any further defence contracts after a corruption investigation into the behaviour of defence companies seeking to win contracts from the military alliance. One of Belgium's federal prosecutors has issued an arrest warrant for Elbit over reported allegations that he bribed staff at Nato’s Support and Procurement Agency.&nbsp;Elbit is the largest non-governmental defence contractor in Israel, with more than $33 billions in market capitalisation. Operates in more than dozens of countries and provides nearly 85 per cent of IDF's UAVs and land-based weapons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three UK hunger strikers end 73-day protest as Elbit Systems loses £2bn contract amid whistleblower claims and NATO ban, marking a major government shift.

Three prisoners linked to Palestine Action have ended a 73-day-long hunger strike, which is considered to be one of the longest hunger strikes in the UK since the 1981 Irish Republican hunger strike. The prisoner decided to end their strikes after the UK government decided against awarding a £2bn contract to the Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems. Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello were the last three remaining to end their hunger strike. Four others had previously paused their hunger strike and decided not to renew it. Muraisi and Ahmed, who were on hunger strike for 73 days, while Chiaramello was on day 46 when the hunger strike ended. The group has claimed that the cancellation of the contract is a “resounding” victory and asserted that they are working towards the complete expulsion of the Elbit systems. Under the supposed contract the Elbit Systems would have trained 60,000 British troops a year. The company has acquired at least 10 public contracts since 2012, so the decision was a public shift in the mindset of the government. Also Read: 'Survival remains conditional': Over 100 Palestinian children killed since 'ceasefire' in Gaza Why did Israel-linked Elbit Systems lose the contract? According to reports by the Guardian, Israel-linked Elbit Systems lost out to a consortium led by Raytheon UK, following whistleblowers' complaints about the breaking of protocols by Elbit. The whistleblower claimed that a former senior British army officer provided sensitive information about the company during the bidding process. Elbit has also been banned by NATO from bidding in any further defence contracts after a corruption investigation into the behaviour of defence companies seeking to win contracts from the military alliance. One of Belgium's federal prosecutors has issued an arrest warrant for Elbit over reported allegations that he bribed staff at Nato’s Support and Procurement Agency. Elbit is the largest non-governmental defence contractor in Israel, with more than $33 billions in market capitalisation. Operates in more than dozens of countries and provides nearly 85 per cent of IDF's UAVs and land-based weapons.

Three UK hunger strikers end 73-day protest as Elbit Systems loses £2bn contract amid whistleblower claims and NATO ban, marking a major government shift.

Palestine Action prisoners end hunger strike after UK cancels Israel-linked Elbit Systems defence contract

The 22-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in a pro-Palestinian action demonstration in England on Tuesday. The protest was in support of the Palestine Action prisoners who were on a hunger strike in prison. Ms Thunberg was holding a placard that read, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide”. Palestine Action has been designated a proscribed terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom as of July 5, 2025. Those who express support for Palestine Action can be sentenced to six months in prison. Since then, more than 16,000 arrests have been made in relation to the Palestine Action group.Supporters have sprayed red paint on the Aspen Insurance in London. Aspen Insurance provides financial services to Israel's largest weapon manufacturer, Elbit Systems and has demanded the shutdown of its operation

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Greta Thunberg arrested under the Terrorism Act for holding a sign which says &quot;I support Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide&quot; She was detained at the Prisoners for Palestine action at Aspen Insurance in London, insurers for Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. <a href="https://t.co/3qBt3iRi9e">pic.twitter.com/3qBt3iRi9e</a>&mdash; Prisoners For Palestine (@Prisoners4Pal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prisoners4Pal/status/2003412797158494365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why are prisoners of Palestine Action on hunger strike ?</h2>Six Palestine Action prisoners are on a months-long hunger strike. They were arrested for breaking into Israel's weapon manufacturer, Elbit, near Bristol and a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire in 2024. They were accused of spray painting on two military planes. The charges brought against them were of burglary and violent disorder. Some of them were held without trial for more than a year, and two of them were reportedly hospitalised last week. They have accused the administration of poor prison conditions, a lack of government action. The six prisoners are: Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Lewie Chiaramello, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmed. They are held in pre-trial detention. In the UK, the pre-trial detention should last for six months.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in England during a pro-Palestine Action protest backing hunger-striking prisoners held in pre-trial detention.

The 22-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in a pro-Palestinian action demonstration in England on Tuesday. The protest was in support of the Palestine Action prisoners who were on a hunger strike in prison. Ms Thunberg was holding a placard that read, “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide”. Palestine Action has been designated a proscribed terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom as of July 5, 2025. Those who express support for Palestine Action can be sentenced to six months in prison. Since then, more than 16,000 arrests have been made in relation to the Palestine Action group. Supporters have sprayed red paint on the Aspen Insurance in London. Aspen Insurance provides financial services to Israel's largest weapon manufacturer, Elbit Systems and has demanded the shutdown of its operation

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in England during a pro-Palestine Action protest backing hunger-striking prisoners held in pre-trial detention.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg arrested in England  for pro-Palestine Action protest

Thousands gathered in London’s Parliament Square on Saturday (September 6) to oppose the British government’s decision to outlaw the activist network Palestine Action, which was officially proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July. The Metropolitan Police estimated the turnout between 1,000 and 1,400 people, figures that matched the numbers claimed by organisers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tensions rose when officers moved in to make arrests, prompting chants of “shame on you” and “you’re supporting genocide” from the crowd, UK media reported. Police reinforcement was called in midway through the demonstration, though no arrest tally was released by Saturday evening. The ban has stirred broader debate in the UK around civil liberties and the boundaries of legitimate protest.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-day-trump-s-hot-one-day-he-s-cool-american-journalist-explains-why-us-is-not-the-most-powerful-country-1757168996578">One day Trump's hot, one day he's cool: American journalist explains why US is 'NOT' the most powerful country</a><h2>Who are Palestine Action?</h2>Formed in 2020 by activists Huda Ammori and Richard Barnard, Palestine Action has carried out direct action campaigns targeting arms manufacturers linked to Israel. Its first operation was aimed at shutting down facilities of Elbit Systems, Israel’s biggest weapons producer, which also operates in Britain. The group has pledged to disrupt what it calls “Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime.”&nbsp;Since then, Palestine Action has staged occupations, blockades, and property damage at sites connected to companies such as UAV Tactical Systems and Leonardo. Symbolic actions have included spray-painting and defacing a portrait of Arthur Balfour at Cambridge University and seizing busts of Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, from Manchester University.&nbsp;The turning point came in late June 2025, when activists broke into RAF Brize Norton, Britain’s largest airbase, and vandalized two Airbus Voyager refueling aircraft with paint and crowbars. Days later, then–Home Secretary Yvette Cooper—recently appointed foreign secretary—used anti-terror laws to formally ban the group. The move, which placed Palestine Action on the same legal footing as Hamas, al Qaeda, and ISIS, drew sharp criticism from UN experts, rights organizations, and opposition lawmakers.<h2>Why did the UK government outlaw it?</h2>Officials pointed to an assessment by the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre, arguing that Palestine Action had moved from disruptive protest into acts of sabotage. Cooper said the group’s record of criminal damage made the designation necessary for national security. Authorities had signaled concern well before this summer. A government-commissioned review in 2024 warned that the group’s tactics—and those of climate campaigners like Just Stop Oil—bore resemblance to extremist organizations and suggested they be subject to bans.

Palestine Action explained: The activist group now designated as terror organisation in UK

Thousands gathered in London’s Parliament Square on Saturday (September 6) to oppose the British government’s decision to outlaw the activist network Palestine Action, which was officially proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July. The Metropolitan Police estimated the turnout between 1,000 and 1,400 people, figures that matched the numbers claimed by organisers. Tensions rose when officers moved in to make arrests, prompting chants of “shame on you” and “you’re supporting genocide” from the crowd, UK media reported. Police reinforcement was called in midway through the demonstration, though no arrest tally was released by Saturday evening. The ban has stirred broader debate in the UK around civil liberties and the boundaries of legitimate protest. Also Read: One day Trump's hot, one day he's cool: American journalist explains why US is 'NOT' the most powerful country Who are Palestine Action? Formed in 2020 by activists Huda Ammori and Richard Barnard, Palestine Action has carried out direct action campaigns targeting arms manufacturers linked to Israel. Its first operation was aimed at shutting down facilities of Elbit Systems, Israel’s biggest weapons producer, which also operates in Britain. The group has pledged to disrupt what it calls “Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime.” Since then, Palestine Action has staged occupations, blockades, and property damage at sites connected to companies such as UAV Tactical Systems and Leonardo. Symbolic actions have included spray-painting and defacing a portrait of Arthur Balfour at Cambridge University and seizing busts of Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, from Manchester University. The turning point came in late June 2025, when activists broke into RAF Brize Norton, Britain’s largest airbase, and vandalized two Airbus Voyager refueling aircraft with paint and crowbars. Days later, then–Home Secretary Yvette Cooper—recently appointed foreign secretary—used anti-terror laws to formally ban the group. The move, which placed Palestine Action on the same legal footing as Hamas, al Qaeda, and ISIS, drew sharp criticism from UN experts, rights organizations, and opposition lawmakers. Why did the UK government outlaw it? Officials pointed to an assessment by the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre, arguing that Palestine Action had moved from disruptive protest into acts of sabotage. Cooper said the group’s record of criminal damage made the designation necessary for national security. Authorities had signaled concern well before this summer. A government-commissioned review in 2024 warned that the group’s tactics—and those of climate campaigners like Just Stop Oil—bore resemblance to extremist organizations and suggested they be subject to bans.

Protesters in London oppose UK’s terror ban on Palestine Action, an activist group targeting arms firms linked to Israel, sparking civil liberties debate

Six people in United Kingdom have been charged with terrorism-related offenses over their alleged involvement in protests and online meetings linked to the banned group Palestine Action, police said. Authorities say the charges stem from efforts to organise demonstrations backing Palestine Action in London, Manchester, and Cardiff, including one scheduled in the capital recently. Prosecutors also cited 13 Zoom meetings held between July and August that were allegedly in support of the outlawed group.&nbsp;Also Read: ‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-arbitrary-tariffs-threaten-ties-us-lawmaker-issues-warning-to-trump-after-meeting-indian-diplomat-1756984539291">Arbitrary tariffs threaten ties...’: US lawmaker issues warning to Trump after meeting Indian diplomat</a>&nbsp;Defend Our Juries, an activist network with ties to Palestine Action, confirmed the six individuals were part of its movement. The group denounced the arrests, vowing they would not prevent supporters from joining this weekend’s planned protest. Palestine Action, a UK-based campaign targeting defense companies that supply Israel, was officially outlawed in July. The move came a month after two of its members broke into Britain’s largest airbase and caused damage to two military aircraft. Its proscription makes membership or public support a criminal offense on par with backing organisations like Hamas, al-Qaeda, or ISIS.&nbsp;The ban has drawn heavy criticism, including from the United Nations human rights chief. In July, a court allowed the group to challenge its proscription this November, with the judge acknowledging it was “reasonably arguable” that the ban breached rights to free speech, assembly, and association under the European Convention on Human Rights. However, the prohibition remains in place until the hearing. The six individuals, aged 26 to 62, were arrested on Tuesday by officers from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command and formally charged a day later. They are being held in custody and are expected in court on Thursday. A seventh suspect was separately charged in Scotland on Tuesday in a related probe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-stolen-data-on-all-americans-salt-typhoon-cyberattacks-are-a-goldmine-for-beijing-s-intelligence-agencies-claims-report-cyber-war-1756985090461">China has stolen data on all Americans? Salt Typhoon cyberattacks are a goldmine for Beijing's intelligence agencies, claims report</a>&nbsp;Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan described the charges as the outcome of “a proactive investigation” into activity linked to Palestine Action. She stressed that since the group is legally classified as a terrorist organization, anyone promoting or aligning with it risks arrest and prosecution. According to the Metropolitan Police, over 700 people have been detained and 114 charged in connection with protests this summer, including more than 500 taken into custody during a single demonstration in August. Footage from that rally showed officers detaining elderly and disabled protesters, some of whom were carried away after being arrested for holding placards with slogans such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Six charged in UK of terror-related offences after protests backing banned group Palestine Action

Six people in United Kingdom have been charged with terrorism-related offenses over their alleged involvement in protests and online meetings linked to the banned group Palestine Action, police said. Authorities say the charges stem from efforts to organise demonstrations backing Palestine Action in London, Manchester, and Cardiff, including one scheduled in the capital recently. Prosecutors also cited 13 Zoom meetings held between July and August that were allegedly in support of the outlawed group. Also Read: ‘Arbitrary tariffs threaten ties...’: US lawmaker issues warning to Trump after meeting Indian diplomat Defend Our Juries, an activist network with ties to Palestine Action, confirmed the six individuals were part of its movement. The group denounced the arrests, vowing they would not prevent supporters from joining this weekend’s planned protest. Palestine Action, a UK-based campaign targeting defense companies that supply Israel, was officially outlawed in July. The move came a month after two of its members broke into Britain’s largest airbase and caused damage to two military aircraft. Its proscription makes membership or public support a criminal offense on par with backing organisations like Hamas, al-Qaeda, or ISIS. The ban has drawn heavy criticism, including from the United Nations human rights chief. In July, a court allowed the group to challenge its proscription this November, with the judge acknowledging it was “reasonably arguable” that the ban breached rights to free speech, assembly, and association under the European Convention on Human Rights. However, the prohibition remains in place until the hearing. The six individuals, aged 26 to 62, were arrested on Tuesday by officers from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command and formally charged a day later. They are being held in custody and are expected in court on Thursday. A seventh suspect was separately charged in Scotland on Tuesday in a related probe. Also Read: China has stolen data on all Americans? Salt Typhoon cyberattacks are a goldmine for Beijing's intelligence agencies, claims report Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan described the charges as the outcome of “a proactive investigation” into activity linked to Palestine Action. She stressed that since the group is legally classified as a terrorist organization, anyone promoting or aligning with it risks arrest and prosecution. According to the Metropolitan Police, over 700 people have been detained and 114 charged in connection with protests this summer, including more than 500 taken into custody during a single demonstration in August. Footage from that rally showed officers detaining elderly and disabled protesters, some of whom were carried away after being arrested for holding placards with slogans such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

UK police arrest and charge six for alleged involvement in protests and Zoom meetings supporting banned Palestine Action

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UK High Court says terror tag, ban on activist group Palestine Action ‘unlawful’

Palestine Action prisoners end hunger strike after UK cancels Elbit deal

Greta Thunberg arrested in England during pro-Palestine Action protest

Palestine Action explained: Why UK labelled activist group a terror outfit?

Six charged in UK with terror offences over protests backing Palestine Action