The co-founder of Palestine Action has pledged to continue the legal and public campaign to overturn the government’s ban on the group, despite a recent court ruling upholding the prohibition. On Monday, a panel of five court of appeal judges ruled that the ban imposed under the Terrorism Act was lawful, reversing a February high court decision that had limited the home secretary’s authority over national security matters.

Huda Ammori, who co-founded Palestine Action and challenged the ban in court, expressed disappointment but remained resolute in pursuing further legal avenues. She stated her belief that the ban is “disproportionate to free speech and the right to protest” and intends to take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

Parallel to legal efforts, Palestine Action supporters have engaged in a sustained campaign of civil disobedience. More than 3,000 people have been arrested, primarily for displaying placards in support of the group, with an additional 117 arrests reported outside the court of appeal on Monday and two more outside the Old Bailey, where a related criminal trial is ongoing involving several activists.

Ammori characterized the court case as politically motivated and emphasized the importance of continued street-level protest. She rejected the judges’ comparison of Palestine Action to the suffragettes, pointing out historical inaccuracies in the analogy, noting that suffragettes engaged in violent actions such as bombings and attacks with horse whips during their campaign, which she said the judges misrepresented in their ruling.

Monday’s ruling followed a recent sentencing of four Palestine Action activists convicted for their 2024 raid on an Elbit Systems UK arms factory near Bristol. The activists were found guilty of criminal damage for destroying drones and other equipment, and one was convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent. Despite the jury not being presented with evidence of a terrorism connection, the sentencing judge cited a “terrorist connection” to justify harsher penalties.

Ammori suggested that these judicial developments were orchestrated to facilitate convictions and validate the ban on the group as a terrorist organisation. She urged supporters to remain steadfast, emphasizing solidarity with Palestinians, who face ongoing challenges and stigmatization, including being labeled terrorists.

In response, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the ban, asserting that Palestine Action has engaged in terrorist acts, glorified such conduct, and advocated violence. She distinguished the group from lawful protests supporting the Palestinian cause, reaffirming that legitimate demonstrations remain a democratic right. Mahmood underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding national security and public safety through robust measures.