In a landmark ruling celebrated by human rights groups, the High Court in London has called the United Kingdom government’s ban on the pro-Palestinian campaign group, Palestine Action, “unlawful”. In July last year, the UK government had banned the group, which had protested against Israel’s war on Gaza and the UK’s support for Israel. The Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer designated it as a “terrorist” organisation and a national security threat. On Friday, judges at the Royal Courts of Justice struck down the British government’s proscription against Palestine Action, ruling that they were “satisfied that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action was disproportionate”. The UK government says it will appeal the verdict. Sean Summerfield, a UK-based barrister, told Al Jazeera that the ruling vindicates those who stood in solidarity with Palestine Action. Since the ban, UK police have arrested thousands for holding signs in silent vigils. After Friday’s court ruling, holding such placards will no longer be considered unlawful. However, activists directly engaged with Palestine Action who have broken into arms factories or disrupted supply chains will still face prosecution for charges like criminal damage. The group was banned after activists entered the Royal Air Force station in Brize Norton in June 2025 and vandalised military aircraft with red paint.