Campaign group Secure Scotland has responded after the High Court ruled that the ban on Palestine Action was unlawful, describing the judgment as a significant moment in the debate over protest and government policy.
The ruling was confirmed on 13th of February 2026, prompting gatherings in several cities including Edinburgh.
In a statement issued following the decision, Secure Scotland said the judgment represented a major setback for attempts to criminalise support for the group.
“This is a huge victory, a very significant spoke in the wheel for a government’s aiming to criminalise and disable popular opposition to its complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“We now hope and expect that the Home Office will abandon or fail in its attempt to appeal the judgment, and that all those who are currently entangled in this cruel and absurd criminal justice process by showing overt support for Palestine Action will be freed of all charges.
“Of course the UK government should not wait for its appeal, it should immediately perform a glorious, sane and moral U turn, admit its error, and, most importantly, reverse its shameful policy and active practice in support for the Israeli regime.”
Around 40 people gathered outside the Crown Office in Edinburgh to await the announcement, many holding placards in support of Palestine Action.
Secure Scotland said no arrests were made and noted that a small number of police officers were present.
“It was notable that the small number of police present appeared to share the protesters’ pleasure at the news, they may now be able to get on with their real work!”
The group also warned that it believed further action by the UK Government was possible.
“Given the compromised character of the current UK government it is highly unlikely that they will give up their aim to crackdown on dissent without a further struggle.
“They will do what they can to increase the surveillance of citizens and to criminalise repeated protests.
“The placard protests have done their bit to thwart that but our resistance will need to be sustained.
“However, Scotland itself can play a key part in the push back.
“We have an election in a couple of months and we should only be electing MSPs who are will to tackle this head-on.
“So never let us forget that the brutal oppression of Palestinians continues in Gaza and the West Bank.
“In all the hooha that is where our focus and that of any Scottish Government that we elect ought to be.”
The Home Office has yet to confirm whether it intends to appeal the High Court decision.
