News

Palestine Action co-founder wins right to challenge terror law ban

Published

11 months ago

July 30, 2025

A HIGH COURT judge has granted permission for the co-founder of Palestine Action to launch a legal challenge against the UK Government’s decision to ban the direct action group under terrorism laws.

Huda Ammori, who helped set up the group campaigning against UK arms sales to Israel, will now take her case to a full judicial review after Mr Justice Martin Chamberlain ruled on Wednesday (Jul 30) that her challenge was “reasonably arguable” and should proceed to trial.

Group placed alongside ISIS and Boko Haram

The ban, which came into effect on 5 July, places Palestine Action on the same proscribed list as Islamic State and Boko Haram. The decision means membership, support, or even public expression of sympathy for the group is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.

Ammori’s lawyers, led by Raza Husain KC and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, told the court the proscription was “repugnant” and an “authoritarian and blatant abuse of power”. They said it targeted a campaign group whose actions overwhelmingly involved civil disobedience and property damage, rather than acts meeting the legal threshold for terrorism.

Out of 385 recorded incidents linked to Palestine Action, they argued, only three were considered by security agencies to potentially meet that threshold. Internal assessments by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) and MI5 reportedly concluded that national security concerns were minimal.

‘Chilling effect’ on protest and free speech

Since the ban came into force, more than 200 people have reportedly been arrested at demonstrations, with campaigners warning of a “chilling effect” on the right to protest. Ammori’s legal team said the move amounted to a politically motivated clampdown on dissent, in breach of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Government, represented by Sir James Eadie KC, maintained that the group’s activities justified proscription. In particular, he cited an incident in which activists broke into RAF Brize Norton and caused damage to a military aircraft. He told the court that Parliament had designated the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (POAC) as the correct forum to challenge a ban, not a judicial review in the High Court.

Previous bid to block ban failed

Before the ban took effect, Ammori had sought urgent interim relief to suspend it. That application was rejected by Mr Justice Chamberlain on 4 July, who ruled that delaying a proscription approved overwhelmingly by Parliament would undermine the statutory regime. The Court of Appeal dismissed an emergency appeal hours before the ban came into force.

However, at last week’s hearing to decide whether the case could proceed, the judge accepted that two key grounds — the proportionality of the ban and its impact on free expression — were arguable and should be tested at trial.

Unprecedented use of terrorism powers

The decision to proscribe Palestine Action is unprecedented, marking the first time the Government has applied anti-terrorism laws to a domestic protest group in this way. The Home Office’s own Proscription Review Group reportedly acknowledged that national security concerns were limited, and critics say the decision appears to have been driven by political considerations linked to the ongoing war in Gaza.

The full judicial review will now examine whether the Home Secretary acted lawfully, rationally, and proportionately in making the ban. It is expected to scrutinise the Government’s reliance on incidents of property damage, the adequacy of its national security assessment, and whether the proscription unlawfully infringes on rights to protest.

A date for the trial has not yet been fixed, but it is likely to take place later this year.

How Palestine Action’s legal challenge works

What is being challenged?

Palestine Action is challenging the Home Secretary’s decision to place the group on the UK’s official list of proscribed terrorist organisations. This means it is a criminal offence to be a member, support it publicly, or even express sympathy for it

How are such bans usually challenged?

Normally, the law requires challenges to go through the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (POAC) — a specialist tribunal set up by Parliament to handle appeals against proscription.

Why is this case different?

Huda Ammori’s legal team has chosen to bring a judicial review in the High Court instead. They argue the ban is so disproportionate and such a blatant breach of free speech rights that it should be tested openly, not only in the restricted POAC process

What will the court decide?

The High Court will examine:

Whether the Home Secretary acted lawfully and rationally in making the ban.
Whether the ban is proportionate given the nature of the group’s activities.
Whether it unlawfully interferes with rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Why is this significant?

This is the first time a UK protest group has been banned using anti-terrorism powers.

If Ammori wins, it could force the Government to lift the ban.
A ruling against the Home Secretary could set an important legal precedent limiting how such powers can be used in future.

What happens next?

The full judicial review is expected to be heard later this year.
If Ammori loses, she could still take her case to POAC or appeal further up the court system, potentially as far as the Supreme Court.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.