Thu Jul 03 21:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written from a neutral perspective:

**Summary:**

The UK government’s move to ban the pro-Palestinian activist group “Palestine Action” under anti-terror laws has been approved by Parliament but is now facing a legal challenge in the High Court. The ban follows a recent incident where Palestine Action members damaged aircraft at an air force base. The government cites previous attacks by the group on defense factories as justification for the proscription. Critics argue the ban is an overreaction, supported by Amnesty International, and could criminalize legitimate protest. Four activists have been charged with terrorism-related offenses in connection with the airbase incident and are currently in custody.

**News Article:**

**UK Government’s Ban on Palestine Action Faces Legal Challenge**

**London, July 4, 2025:** A controversial decision by the UK government to outlaw the Palestine Action group under anti-terrorism legislation is facing a legal challenge just hours after gaining Parliamentary approval. The House of Lords, the upper chamber of Parliament, yesterday (July 3, 2025) backed the government’s move, following approval by the House of Commons.

The government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action stems from a series of incidents, including a recent break-in at a southern England air force base where two aircraft were damaged with red paint, resulting in an estimated £7 million in damages. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper cited this incident, along with past attacks on defense factories in Glasgow and Kent, and on Israel-based Elbit Systems in Bristol, as justification for the ban.

If implemented, the ban would make it a criminal offense to be a member of or support Palestine Action, carrying a potential sentence of up to 14 years in prison.

Palestine Action has condemned the proposed ban as an “unhinged reaction,” and is challenging the proscription in the High Court. An urgent hearing is scheduled for Friday. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations are supporting the legal challenge, arguing that the ban infringes on the right to protest.

Meanwhile, four Palestine Action activists – Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 35, Jony Cink, 24, and Lewie Chiaramello, 22 – have been charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place and conspiracy to commit criminal damage, with prosecutors arguing the offenses were terror-linked. They have been remanded in custody until their next court appearance on July 18 at London’s Old Bailey.

The case raises complex questions about the balance between national security and the right to protest in the UK.

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