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.

A GROWING debate over assisted dying has moved to the forefront of Welsh politics, as more than 250 doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals urge the Senedd to reject plans that would allow terminally ill adults to seek medical assistance to end their lives.

The intervention comes ahead of a crucial vote on Tuesday (Jan 20), when Members of the Senedd will be asked whether Wales should give legislative consent to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, legislation currently progressing through Westminster but with direct implications for devolved health services in Wales.

The Bill, which applies to mentally competent adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live, has been promoted by its supporters as a compassionate option for those facing unbearable suffering. However, critics argue that it risks placing vulnerable people under subtle pressure to end their lives and could fundamentally alter the relationship between patients and clinicians.

In an open letter, more than 250 healthcare professionals working across Wales have expressed “serious concerns” about the proposals, warning that the legislation could undermine patient safety, suicide prevention efforts and confidence in end-of-life care.

The signatories include over 120 doctors alongside nurses, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, paramedics, radiographers and medical managers, many of whom work in frontline roles within NHS Wales.

They stress that their opposition is not rooted in ideology but in the practical operation of the law within an already stretched health system.

Dr Sarah Davies, a respiratory physician based in north Wales, said the forthcoming vote should not be seen as a general endorsement or rejection of assisted dying in principle.

She said: “It is vital that our elected representatives understand that this vote concerns the specific details of this proposed legislation and how it will operate. It is not a general vote on assisted suicide.”

One of the central concerns raised is access to palliative and hospice care. Palliative care physician Dr Victoria Wheatley warned that many patients in Wales are currently unable to access specialist end-of-life support.

She said: “People living in around a quarter of Wales cannot access a hospice bed. That means they do not have real choice. Funding a state-sponsored assisted dying service without first ensuring comprehensive palliative care is not the right approach for Wales.”

Mental health specialists have also voiced alarm. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Stuart Porter said the Bill could undermine Wales’ Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Delivery Plan for 2025–2028 and place psychiatrists in an ethically conflicted position.

He warned that the Mental Capacity Act was never designed to assess decisions around assisted dying and said the proposed role for psychiatrists is not supported by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Senior figures in Welsh medicine have also joined the call. Former Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dame Deirdre Hine is among the signatories, citing concerns about unintended consequences and the potential impact on disabled people, homeless individuals and others who may already feel marginalised.

Professor Hope-Gill has raised additional constitutional concerns, warning that the Bill relies heavily on so-called “Henry VIII powers”, allowing key aspects of the system to be altered later through secondary legislation with limited scrutiny.

The clinicians also point to cross-border complexities. More than 13,300 Welsh residents are registered with GP practices in England, while over 21,100 English residents are registered with GPs in Wales, raising questions about jurisdiction, oversight and consistency of safeguards.

Supporters of assisted dying argue that strict safeguards would be built into the law and that similar systems already operate in countries such as Canada and parts of Europe. Campaigners say the legislation would offer dignity and autonomy to those facing intolerable suffering at the end of life.

Several Senedd Members have previously indicated that the issue is one of conscience rather than party politics, and the forthcoming vote is expected to cut across traditional political lines.

In their concluding statement, the healthcare professionals said the Bill risks undermining devolved decision-making in healthcare and creating inequality in access to care, urging Members of the Senedd to withhold legislative consent.

Support and help

This article discusses issues relating to suicide. Anyone who may be struggling or feeling distressed can seek confidential support from the Samaritans on 116 123, or from CALM on 0800 58 58 58. Support is available 24 hours a day.

WITH the Torch Theatre’s popular £5 cinema ticket offer running throughout January and February, Eleanor the Great is a standout screening not to be missed.

The film features a remarkable central performance from June Squibb, who shines as Eleanor Morgenstein, a sharp-witted and spirited 94-year-old whose carefully told story begins to take on a dangerous life of its own.

Eleanor has always prided herself on staying connected to the world around her. Following a devastating loss, she leaves Florida for New York City to live with her daughter and grandson, hoping to rebuild family ties. Instead, she finds herself increasingly isolated and invisible. A chance encounter leads her into a support group where she does not quite belong, and in an unguarded moment she shares a story that unexpectedly draws attention she never intended to seek.

As a young journalism student begins to pursue Eleanor as both a friend and mentor, the consequences of that story grow increasingly complex. When the situation spirals beyond her control, Eleanor is forced to confront the truth — and the cost of the life she has allowed others to believe.

Critics have praised Squibb’s performance. The Guardian described her as giving “an enjoyably twinkly performance,” while Empire Magazine noted: “The plot is predictable and the look unmemorable, but Johansson has nevertheless crafted a pleasingly old-fashioned character piece with just enough bite to balance its emotion.”

In her directorial debut, Scarlett Johansson delicately weaves themes of ageing, family, loss and the blurred line between truth and deceit. What begins as a quiet story of friendship and memory gradually unfolds into a thoughtful and deeply human exploration of identity.

Eleanor the Great will be screened at the Torch Theatre on:

• Friday, January 16 at 5:15pm
• Saturday, January 17 at 4:15pm
• Sunday, January 18 at 7:15pm
• Tuesday, January 20 at 7:45pm

Tickets are priced at £5 as part of the January cinema offer. For more information, visit the Torch Theatre website or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.