UK government lawyers use 'secret evidence' to justify ban on Palestine Action

The UK government presented secret evidence in a judicial review to justify its ban on the direct-action group Palestine Action. During a closed session, government lawyers argued the ban was necessary for national security and to protect the public, contending that serious property damage can constitute terrorism. Lawyers for the group's co-founder were excluded from this part of the hearing, which used a special advocate who cannot share the secret material. The group's legal team argued in open court that the ban has a severe 'chilling effect' on broader Palestinian activism in the UK.