The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has received permission to appeal a high court ruling that declared the government's ban on the direct action group Palestine Action as unlawful under anti-terrorism laws. The high court issued an order allowing Mahmood to take the case to the court of appeal, stating that the ban could remain in effect while the appeal is heard. The ruling, delivered by the president of the king's bench division and two other justices, found the ban to be disproportionate and stated that most actions by Palestine Action do not meet the legal threshold for terrorism.

This legal battle revolves around the government's classification of Palestine Action, which has targeted organizations it alleges are complicit in arming Israel. In their initial ruling, the judges emphasized that while some activities of Palestine Action may be confrontational, they do not rise to the level of terrorism as defined by law. The court's decision reflects ongoing tensions regarding the definition of terrorism in relation to activism concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In reaction to the ruling, Mahmood expressed her disappointment and disagreement with the court's assessment, indicating a willingness to challenge the legal interpretation of Palestine Action's activities. This case underscores broader debates in the UK about freedom of speech, government responses to activism, and the classification of groups based on their political activities, particularly in relation to sensitive geopolitical issues.