Cooper defends Palestine Action ban despite court ruling it was unlawful – UK politics live

The Guardian World

by Yohannes Lowe

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The High Court ruled that the ban imposed by the then Home Secretary on Palestine Action was unlawful, citing failure to follow established policies. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel expressed strong disapproval of the ruling and supports the government's decision to appeal. Patel argued that the organization should face legal consequences under counter-terrorism laws, likening its methods to those of terrorist groups. Patel emphasized during her tenure as Home Secretary (July 2019-September 2022) that the ban was necessary to combat terrorism and protect national security. She stated on Sky News that the ruling was concerning and that it was crucial for such measures to remain in place. Her stance highlights the ongoing debate over balancing counter-terrorism efforts with civil liberties. This issue holds significant importance in global politics, particularly for those interested in counter-terrorism policies and international relations with Palestine. The case underscores the complexities of designating groups as terrorist organizations and the legal challenges that can arise from such decisions. Patel's arguments reflect broader

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/15/2026