News

Scottish court hears challenge to Palestine Action ban

Published

1 month ago

January 12, 2026

A LEGAL challenge to the UK Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action is being considered by Scotland’s highest civil court today.

A hearing at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Monday (Jan 12) is examining whether a judicial review of the ban can proceed under Scots law. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of the proscription across the UK.

The organisation was banned under terrorism legislation following a decision by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, a move which has prompted criticism from civil liberties groups and a series of protests across the country.

Since the ban came into force, coordinated silent demonstrations have taken place in England, Wales and Scotland, with participants holding placards stating: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Campaign groups claim that thousands of people have been arrested nationwide under the Terrorism Act 2000 in connection with such protests. Police and government ministers maintain that enforcement action is proportionate and lawful.

The Scottish legal challenge was lodged in October by former British ambassador Craig Murray, who is seeking a judicial review under Scots law. A separate challenge, brought in England and Wales by a founder of Palestine Action, concluded at the High Court in December, with a judgment awaited.

Supporters of the Scottish case argue that it raises constitutional questions, pointing to differences between the positions taken by the UK Government and the Scottish Parliament on the conflict in Gaza. The Scottish Government has previously described Israel’s actions as genocide and Holyrood has voted in favour of sanctions-related measures, though foreign policy remains a reserved matter for Westminster.

Campaigners also point to the Scottish counter-terrorism body CONTEST, which previously concluded that Palestine Action had not met the statutory definition of terrorism. Despite this, incidents in Scotland — including an action at a weapons factory in Glasgow — were cited by the UK Government as part of the justification for the nationwide ban.

If the Scottish court allows the judicial review to proceed and ultimately rules against the proscription, it could have far-reaching consequences. Legal observers note that Scottish court decisions have previously influenced UK-wide constitutional matters, including the 2019 prorogation case decided by the UK Supreme Court.

Human rights organisations have also raised concerns. A recent report by Human Rights Watch criticised the Government’s use of terrorism legislation against peaceful protest, warning that it risks undermining freedom of expression and assembly.

Protests were expected outside the Court of Session this morning to coincide with the hearing. The case is being livestreamed by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

32 minutes ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

Crime

Drink drive allegation denied

Published

2 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Trial date fixed by magistrates

A MOTORIST has denied a drink-driving allegation when the case came before magistrates.

Michael Miles, 39, of Milford Road, Johnston, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was above the prescribed limit.

The court heard that on January 24, 2026, it is alleged that Miles drove a Ford Transit on the A477 at Jordanston after consuming so much alcohol, that the proportion in his breath was 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Miles entered a not guilty plea on February 10, 2026.

The matter was adjourned for trial on May 21 at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. He was remanded on unconditional bail.

Crime

Repeat drug-driver banned for three years after Pembroke stop

Published

10 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Motorist was over legal limits for both cannabis and cocaine metabolite, court hears

A 35-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire motorist has been disqualified from driving after being caught behind the wheel while over the legal drug-drive limit.

Police received information on November 11 that David Webb had been driving a Kia Sorento along Buttermilk Lane, Pembroke, after taking drugs.

When stopped by officers, Webb admitted he had smoked cannabis the previous night. A roadside drug swipe tested positive, and subsequent blood analysis at the police station revealed 101 micrograms of benzoylecgonine — a cocaine metabolite — per litre of blood, along with 2.3 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The legal limits are 50 and 2 micrograms respectively.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this was Webb’s second drug-driving conviction, following a previous offence in October 2023.

Webb, of Strongbow Walk, Pembroke, was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order requiring him to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.