The UK Supreme Court has concluded a two-day hearing into whether the government's ban on Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is lawful, and has reserved its judgment.

The case, brought by the group's co-founder Huda Ammori, is the last legal opportunity in Britain to challenge the proscription, which was imposed by the Home Secretary in June 2025 under section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The court lists the case as awaiting judgment, with no date yet given.

Five justices heard the appeal on 4 and 5 November 2026. The court granted permission to appeal on one ground only: whether the proscription is compatible with the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

A ban overturned, then restored

The legal history of the ban has swung both ways. In February 2026, the Divisional Court held that the proscription was unlawful, finding that the Home Secretary had failed to follow her own published policy and that the ban was a disproportionate interference with the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association.

On 15 June 2026, the Court of Appeal reversed that result, holding that the decision was lawful and proportionate and restoring the proscription. The Supreme Court is now being asked to decide which court was right.

The proscription was announced to Parliament on 23 June 2025, and the implementing order came into effect on 5 July 2025 after approval by both Houses of Parliament.

Thousands of arrests

The stakes extend well beyond the group itself. Home Office figures disclosed during the hearing record 3,630 arrests for offences linked to supporting Palestine Action as at 30 June 2026, resulting in 632 charges. Trials linked to the ban remain on hold pending the Supreme Court's decision.

Amnesty International UK and Liberty were granted permission to intervene jointly in the appeal. Raza Husain KC and Henry Blaxland KC appeared for Ms Ammori, while Sir James Eadie KC represented the Home Secretary.

The Home Office maintains that the proscription was justified by the group's increasingly serious and targeted activities, which it argues amounted to terrorism. The afternoon session on 5 November was closed to the public and was not livestreamed.

What happens next

Until the court gives judgment, the ban remains in force and arrests for supporting the group continue. If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, the proscription stands. If it finds the ban unlawful, the government would have to decide whether to lift it or attempt to impose a fresh proscription.