Court rules Palestine Action ban ‘disproportionate’ – but still banned for now

A High Court judge has ruled this morning, 13 February 2026, that the government’s ban on anti-genocide action group Palestine Action was “disproportionate” and breaches the human rights of UK people.

Palestine Action NOT a terrorist group (obviously)

However, the ‘proscription’ remains in place for at least another week while the government has a chance to prepare submissions on the court’s finding. It remains a criminal offence, for the time being, to express support for Palestine Action. Police should, of course, weigh whether it’s worth arresting people when no prosecutions are likely, but their record suggests they won’t.

Zack Polanski perhaps summed up the verdict the best:

A court has ruled that the government's authoritarian ban on Palestine Action was unlawful.

Time to stop criminalising the people protesting a genocide – and start ending the UK's complicity.

— Zack Polanski (@ZackPolanski) February 13, 2026

Meanwhile, on the ground, supporters of Palestine Action were jubilant.

The decision was made by a panel of judges who all have strong links to Israel, underscoring just how far the Starmer regime overstepped human rights legislation. It is almost certain to try to appeal, despite the exposed web of lies it created to try to justify the ban.

Outside the court, supporters were holding signs saying “I support Palestine Action”. These were the exact same ones that saw police people in their 1000s last year. Yet on 13 February, as far as the Canary team on the ground could tell no one was today:

The full judgment is available here.

Featured image via the Canary