Royal Courts of Justice23 hrs
UK: High Court Rules Palestine Action Terror Ban as Unlawful
Is this a free speech victory or did the courts get it wrong on this occasion?
Above: Protestors outside the High Court in London during a hearing on the government's ban of Palestine Action on Feb. 13. Image credit: Ben Montgomery/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This is a disappointing ruling from the High Court which acknowledged that Palestine Action was no ordinary protest group and that it carried out acts of violence and terrorism. The proscription was carried out following a rigorous, evidence-based process with the full backing of Parliament. As such, the government looks forward to challenging this verdict at the Court of Appeal.
Establishment-critical narrative
This is a landmark ruling and a monumental victory for freedoms in Britain after the government tried to shut down protest by equating it to terrorism — one of the most extreme attacks on free speech in recent history. As a result, the thousands of people that were arrested on terror charges should have their charges dropped or their convictions quashed, subject to the results of the appeal.
Metaculus Prediction
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Establishment split
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0