How the Brize Norton protest was used to ban Palestine Action
The Home Secretary announced the ban days after the protest at RAF Brize Norton, citing the attack. The High Court ruled it unlawful, but the Court of Appeal reinstated it in June 2026.
Key points
- The Home Secretary announced the plan to ban Palestine Action on 23 June 2025, three days after the protest at RAF Brize Norton.
- In her statement to Parliament, Yvette Cooper cited the Brize Norton protest in particular.
- On 13 February 2026 the High Court ruled the ban unlawful and disproportionate, but it stayed in place pending appeal.
- On 15 June 2026 the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling, finding the ban 'justified and proportionate'.
- The Supreme Court heard the final appeal on 4–5 November 2026. Since the ban, thousands of people have been arrested for holding signs.
The Home Secretary announced the plan to ban Palestine Action on 23 June 2025, three days after two RAF Voyagers were damaged at Brize Norton.
Six people are accused of two conspiracy charges over the protest. The first five pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey in January 2026. All six are held on pre-trial remand.
#What did the Home Secretary say about Brize Norton?
In her statement to Parliament, Cooper described the protest as follows:
"The disgraceful attack on Brize Norton in the early hours of the morning on Friday 20 June is the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action. The UK's defence enterprise is vital to the nation's national security and this Government will not tolerate those that put that security at risk. Counter Terrorism Policing are leading the criminal investigation into this attack. It is important that this process is free from interference and the police are allowed to carry out their important work gathering evidence and working to bring the perpetrators to justice."
Her statement concluded:
"Given significant public concern over recent activities by this group, including the incident in Brize Norton last week, and balancing the relevant considerations, I have decided to confirm this decision to proscribe to the House in advance of laying the relevant order."
Cooper has been accused of repeatedly prejudicing legal cases related to Palestine Action in public forums, according to The Guardian. Her statement itself said the process should be "free from interference".
#How did the courts rule on the ban?
Palestine Action's co-founder, Huda Ammori, challenged the ban. The main steps are in the table.
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 23 Jun 2025 | Home Secretary announces plan to ban Palestine Action |
| Early Jul 2025 | MPs vote to ban Palestine Action |
| 13 Feb 2026 | High Court rules the ban unlawful and disproportionate, but it stays in place pending appeal |
| 15 Jun 2026 | Court of Appeal overturns the High Court and reinstates the ban, finding it "justified and proportionate" |
| 4–5 Nov 2026 | Supreme Court hears the final appeal |
#Why has the ban led to arrests?
Since the ban, thousands of people have been arrested for holding signs, under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Defend Our Juries, a campaign group, organises protests against the ban.
#What does the 'terrorist connection' allegation mean?
The prosecution says the offences have a "terrorist connection", which would affect sentencing if any of the accused are convicted. In the Filton case, a judge applied that label at sentencing in June 2026, and it added years to the sentences, according to The Bristol Cable.
The accused are due to stand trial at Woolwich Crown Court from 25 January 2027. For the charges and the background to the protest, see what happened at RAF Brize Norton and the National Security Act section 4 charge.
Questions and answers
When was Palestine Action banned?
The government proscribed the group after the protest on 20 June 2025. The Home Secretary announced the plan on 23 June 2025, and MPs voted to ban the group in early July 2025.
Did a court rule the ban lawful?
Yes, in June 2026, when the Court of Appeal found the ban justified and proportionate. The High Court had ruled it unlawful and disproportionate on 13 February 2026, but the ban stayed in place pending appeal.
When is the Supreme Court hearing the ban challenge?
The final appeal was heard on 4 and 5 November 2026. The six people accused over the protest are due at Woolwich Crown Court from 25 January 2027.
Sources
- High Court rules proscription of Palestine Action unlawful
- Four face 2027 trial over alleged Palestine Action aircraft damage at RAF Brize Norton
- Statement by Yvette Cooper, June 2025
- Coverage of Yvette Cooper's public comments on Palestine Action cases
- First Filton 25 defendants sentenced as terrorists
