Sir Keir Starmer is facing criticism from Labour MPs after the High Court ruled his government’s ban on Palestine Action was unlawful.
Diane Abbott said the ban was a “democratic outrage” as she urged the government not to “bring themselves into further disrepute” by pursuing an appeal, while another described it as “draconian”.
The Metropolitan Police has said it will no longer arrest protesters, stating that officers will focus on gathering evidence for use later and will no longer immediately arrest those defying the ban - despite the proscription remaining in place pending a Home Office appeal.
It comes after the High Court said a ban on Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws “did result in a very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly”.
Dame Victoria Sharp added that “the proscription of Palestine Action was disproportionate”, saying only a very small number of Palestine Action’s activities amounted to terrorism.
Palestine Action’s co-founder Huda Ammori took action against the department over the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.
More than 2,500 people have been arrested on suspicion of publicly showing support for Palestine Action since it was banned.
Key Points
- BREAKING: Palestine Action co-founder wins High Court challenge
- BREAKING: Met Police to stop making arrests for Palestine Action support
- Palestine Action to remain proscribed as terror group to allow for appeal
- Home secretary vows to appeal Palestine Action judgement
- Palestine Action activists call for resignation of former home secretary Yvette Cooper
High Court decision welcomed by UN human rights and counter-terrorism chief
15:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe High Court’s decision has been welcomed by the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Ben Saul.
A statement said: “As an intervener in the case, the special rapporteur argued that proscription violated the UK’s international human rights obligations, because it was not a necessary and proportionate restriction on the human rights to freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression.
“The special rapporteur therefore notes and welcomes the court’s finding that proscription was indeed disproportionate, in keeping with his submissions that the ban breaches articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
“The special rapporteur invites the home Sscretary to reflect on this judgment and accept that the court’s conclusion to set aside proscription of Palestine Action.
“Taking this step will enable the relevant authorities to take no further action against those who legitimately expressed their beliefs about Israel and Palestine since 5 July 2025 and were caught up in the policing of the unlawful ban; and also, to apologise to those affected for stigmatising them as terrorists.”
Key points in the High Court judgement
14:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneToday’s High Court judgement has been welcomed by campaigners and activists who called the ban “draconian” and a “vindication”.
Here are the key points from the 46-page ruling:
The ban was ‘disproportionate’
Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn, found that the decision to ban Palestine Action was “disproportionate”.
The judge found that while Palestine Action “promotes its political cause through criminality and encouragement of criminality”, the criminal law was able to prosecute those responsible without needing proscription.
Palestine Action is different from civil disobedience groups
In her judgment, Dame Victoria said that the “hallmarks” of civil disobedience do not apply to Palestine Action’s campaigning, and that “a very small number of its actions have amounted to terrorist action”.
She said: “The core hallmarks of civil disobedience, namely the objective of seeking a change in the law or government policy, an approach to law breaking that is characterised by restraint and acceptance of the legal consequences of their actions, are emphatically not the hallmarks of Palestine Action’s campaign.
“Its campaign is intended to close down the operations of a company pursuing a lawful business.”
She continued: “The campaign has not been pursued with restraint. The wide range of targets is significant.
“Palestine Action is not engaged in any exercise of persuasion, or at least not the type of persuasion that is consistent with democratic values and the rule of law.”
The Home Secretary made a ‘significant’ error
Dame Victoria said the then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wrongly considered the advantages of banning Palestine Action in relation to the wider criminal offences that could be applied to members of the group.
There was no obligation to consult Palestine Action before the ban
One argument Ms Ammori was unsuccessful on was over whether the Home Secretary should have given Palestine Action the opportunity to respond before the decision to proscribe was made.
Rejecting this argument, Dame Victoria said that the home secretary had a responsibility to safeguard national security.
Decision by the court is an 'oddity' as unlawful ban stays in place
14:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Lui Asquith, associate in the regulation and public law team at law firm Russell-Cooke, LLP, has said the decision by the court is a “significant” one.
“The Ammori judgment is a significant one, which highlights the role of the Courts in scrutinising government decisions, even where they have passed through Parliament without challenge,” she said.
Ms Asquith added: "The Court has not yet determined what order to make, and until it does (in the next week or two) Palestine Action remains a proscribed organisation. While this procedurally routine, it is an oddity – the rights-infringing proscription stands until the court says otherwise.
“Seeing as an appeal application by the government is inevitable, it will be interesting to see if it tries to argue the order should stay in place until the appeal is heard."
Full report: Palestine Action terror ban ruled unlawful by High Court
14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action’s ban under terrorism legislation has been ruled unlawful by the High Court in a humiliating blow for the government, but the ban will remain in place until a further order by the courts.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of the group, took the Home Office to court over the decision to proscribe Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws, with her lawyers saying that the move was unprecedented.
Since the proscription last July, thousands of people have been arrested for holding up placards in support of Palestine Action. Hundreds of trials are expected throughout this year and into the next for those accused of taking part in protests, but they face being upended by the High Court’s ruling.
The Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft has the full report on the ruling below:
Watch: Cheers outside High Court as Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful
13:56 , Holly EvansIn pictures: Protesters gather outside Royal Courts of Justice
13:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Starmer facing criticism from Labour MPs after High Court rules his Palestine Action ban is unlawful
13:38 , Holly EvansOur political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
The prime minister is facing criticism from MPs within his own party after the High Court ruled his government’s ban on Palestine Action was unlawful.
A number of Labour MPs have welcomed the court’s decision, and hit out at Sir Keir Starmer’s “draconian” ban on the group under anti-terrorism laws.
Diane Abbott said the ban was a “democratic outrage” as she urged the government not to “bring themselves into further disrepute” by pursuing an appeal.
She said: “Decency, the and opposition to genocide won. Authoritarianism lost.”
Andy McDonald said the proscription was a “poor political decision” by the government and warned the home secretary’s decision to “fight” the decision will “compound the error”.
Richard Burgon, who voted against the ban in parliament last year, said he “warned the government” of the consequences of the ban, and echoed calls that the government should not appeal the decision.
John McDonnell, Labour’s former shadow chancellor, called the proscription an “assault on our civil liberties”, while Labour MP Nadia Whittome said she was “extremely relieved” by the court’s decision and Apsana Begum said the verdict marked an “opportunity for the Government to change course”.
Watch: Palestine Action co-founder speaks out as High Court rules ban unlawful
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTories welcome Home Office decision to appeal
13:26 , Holly EvansThe Conservatives have welcomed the Government’s decision to appeal against the High Court’s decision on Palestine Action and called for tighter rules on proscription.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the group engaged in “organised political violence and cannot be tolerated”.
He added: “Palestine Action’s campaign is built on intimidation, destruction and violence. The public expect the law to protect them.
“Conservatives welcome the Home Office’s appeal to this ruling. There can be no hesitation when public safety and national security are at stake.”
Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said it was “time to tighten up the rules on the proscription of such groups to ensure they cannot get away with such disgraceful behaviour”.
Practical effect of ‘unprecendented’ court ruling explained
13:21 , Holly EvansOur political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
After the High Court ruled the government’s ban on Palestine Action in unlawful, legal experts have explained what the decision could mean in practical terms.
Alice Hardy, partner in Bindmans public law and human rights team, said the judgement means the order banning support for Palestine Action will remain in effect for while parties make submissions to the court.
“It’s possible that the order could remain enforced for quite some time, because if the government does get permission to appeal…either from the High Court or from the Court of Appeal, then it will be as long as it takes for that appeal to be heard and decided, and that could be many months,” she told The Independent.
Speaking about what the ruling could mean for those already arrested under the ban, she said: “Of the thousands of people who are awaiting trial, those trials have already been postponed, and I expect that's because the court would very much like to know what the outcome of this judgement was, and now they will want to know the outcome of any appeal.
“Because I think the court is very nervous of sending people to prison for committing offences that turn out not to have been offences. It’s an unprecedented situation.”
Charities and human rights groups react to decision
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Areeba Hamid, director at Greenpeace UK, called on the Crown Prosecution Service to "immediately drop the terror changes against the peaceful protesters who opposed this ban".
She added: "Using terror laws to shut down a protest group is the stuff of dystopian novels. Arresting thousands of protesters - many of them pensioners who were simply holding signs - is the stuff of satire. Hopefully this ruling will deliver a much-needed reality check".
Sara Chitseko at the Open Rights Group welcomed the High Court's decision, saying: "The proscription not only criminalised political protest but had far-reaching consequences for freedom of expression online, and for the implementation of counter terror programmes such as Prevent."
The Crown Prosecution Service has said they will not comment on today's ruling.
Counter terror police will be 'pragmatic and proportional', boss says
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHead of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said: “Policing’s role is to enforce the law, and to do so without fear or favour, as the public would expect. Proscription is, and always has been, a matter for the government. Following today’s judgment, the Home Secretary has stated she intends to lodge an appeal.
“The court has ordered that the proscription order remains in force until further order of the court. We recognise this is an unusual set of circumstances, and until further order by the court, Counter Terrorism Policing will approach enforcement pragmatically and proportionately, and will continue to work with forces across the country.”
'Practical effect' of decision will depend on government appeal, human rights director says
12:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Akiko Hart, director of human rights organisation Liberty, said they welcomed the court’s finding but said “the practical effect will depend on the government’s appeal”.
She added: “This case has exposed a deeper problem where the line between direct action and terrorism has become dangerously blurred, and this will continue to have a chilling effect on protest and free speech.
“People must be able to stand up, speak out, and take part in protest without fear of being labelled a terrorist and arrested."
Supporting Palestine Action 'technically still illegal,' police say
12:37 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOfficers policing a group of Palestine Action activists outside the High Court building in central London have been told to act with “compassion”, a Metropolitan Police officer has said.
Inspector Paul Perversi, speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice where dozens of activists carried signs that read “I support Palestine Action”, said they would be advised they could be prosecuted at a later date.
“As far as we’re concerned, as police, Palestine Action is still a proscribed organisation and my officers are engaging with protesters holding the signs just advising them that technically, it’s illegal, and they could face prosecution,” Mr Perversi said.
“It’s being recorded on body worn camera to be acted upon later if deemed appropriate. But at the moment officers are just engaging with members of the public,” he added.
“The officers have all been briefed to act with integrity, professionalism, courage, and importantly, a bit of compassion.”
Ban was 'disproportionate', Lib Dem spokesperson says
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLiberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson said the ban was a “grave misuse of terrorism laws”.
He said: “Placing Palestine Action in the same legal category as Isis was disproportionate and risked undermining public trust and civil liberties.
“This ruling does not place anyone above the law. Any individual members of Palestine Action who are accused of serious offences such as vandalism and violent disorder should be investigated, prosecuted and, if convicted, sentenced accordingly.
“But these are potential criminal acts and not comparable to the horrors of terrorism.”
Confusion outside Royal Courts of Justice over judgement
12:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneReporters outside the Royal Courts of Justice have said there is some confusion as police advised protesters not to carry signs in support of Palestine Action.
Dozens of people sat outside the building carrying signs that read “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.
Two Met Police Liaison Officers approached activist Grace Lally, and advised her not to carry the sign as Palestine Action remains technically a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act.
One officer told her: “Potentially we’re looking at evidence of offences or anything like that, prosecution at any given point really – I can’t advise as to whether you will be arrested today, that’s not my decision.”
Another officer asked: “Are you waiting to get arrested, is that your intention?”
She replied: “I don’t want to be arrested. I want to know if it’s illegal to hold this sign.”
The officers replied: “We can ask.”
When asked whether she was concerned she could be arrested on Friday, she replied: “I’m worried about the future of this country if I can get arrested for holding a sign, for being against genocide. That’s why I’m here: I’m terrified about what this means for this country and our ability to try to change any political decision that we believe is wrong, or to try and get justice.”
The Metropolitan Police later clarified it was not arresting people at the time but will “focus on gathering evidence of those offences and the people involved to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date”.
Major Jewish organisations 'deeply concerned' by High Court ruling
12:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council said they were “deeply concerned” by the High Court ruling.
In a joint statement they said: “We recognise the vital importance of judicial oversight in matters of national security and civil liberties.
“However, the practical impact of Palestine Action’s activities on Jewish communal life has been significant and deeply unsettling.
“Palestine Action has repeatedly targeted buildings hosting Jewish communal institutions, Jewish-owned businesses, or sites associated with Israel, in ways that cause fear and disruption far beyond the immediate protest sites.
“We welcome the response of the Home Secretary and note her intention to fight the judgment in the Court of Appeal.
“We will seek urgent clarity from the Government, police forces and the CPS regarding the implications of this ruling and the steps they intend to take to ensure that communities are protected from intimidation and criminality. This includes ensuring appropriate legal tools are available. The safety of the British public including Jews must remain a priority.”
Labour MP says he regrets ‘bottling’ Palestine Action vote
12:12 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
A growing number of Labour MPs are expressing discontent with the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action after today’s court ruling.
Karl Turner, Labour MP for East Hull, has said he warned Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper that the ban would be found unlawful and claimed he was told to “just get on with my job as a Labour MP and vote Labour in the lobby”.
According to the official record, Mr Turner abstained from voting on the ban in parliament last year.
Responding to fellow Labour MP Richard Burgon saying he also warned the government against the ban, Mr Turner wrote on X: “This is true. I bottled it and voted with the government. But should have stood firm. I told them though. PM and Home Sec.”
Met Police say officers won’t arrest Palestine Action supporters in wake of ruling
11:52 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
The Metropolitan Police has said it will no longer arrest protesters showing support for Palestine Action in the wake of today’s High Court ruling.
Although the group’s proscription remains in place pending a Home Office appeal, officers will focus on gathering evidence for use later and will no longer immediately arrest those defying the ban.It comes after thousands were arrested – with many hauled away by officers – for holding placards declaring “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” at protests last summer.
In a statement following today’s ruling, the force said: “This is the most proportionate approach we can take, acknowledging the decision reached by the court while recognising that proceedings are not yet fully concluded.
“This approach relates solely to the expression of support for Palestine Action. We will continue to intervene and make arrests where we see people crossing the line from lawful protest to intimidate, to damage property, to use violence, to stir up racial hatred or to commit other offences.
“We are mindful that this decision comes at a time when the impact of a prolonged period of significant protest continues to be felt by communities across London, in particular Jewish communities. We will continue to take an assertive and determined approach to dealing with antisemitism and other hate crime, acting decisively against anyone who tries to use the cover of protest to cause fear and distress to Londoners.”
Labour peer urges ministers to listen and not make ‘peaceful protestors guilty by association’
11:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLabour peer Baroness Shami Chakrabarti told The Independent the judgment would “resonate with the common sense of most people in Britain. I hope the government will listen.”
She added: “Whilst a very small amount of Palestine Action’s activity met the definition of “terrorism”, the decision to proscribe the whole organisation and its many peaceful supporters was disproportionate.
“Let those engaged in criminal damage be prosecuted but don’t make peaceful protestors guilty by association.”
Ruling is a 'vindication', Palestine Action activists say
11:42 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action activists have hailed the High Court ruling on the ban of their group as a “vindication”.
More than 2,700 people were arrested under the terrorism act for expressing support for Palestine Action since the ban in July 2025, according to the Defend Our Juries campaign.
Activist Saeed Taji Farouky, speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London on Friday, said: “For the thousands of people in this country who supported the movement over the years, this is a vindication for those people.
“For the thousands of people who sat silently holding signs and were arrested and charged with terrorism offences, this is the vindication for them.”
Activist Margi Mansfield, who stood outside the courts’ gates with a sign that read “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”, said: “This is only the start, Huda Ammori has been justified.
“Lots of us are facing multiple charges of terrorism for holding a sign.
“We’ve been charged with terrorism offences, we have dates in courts – we need to see whether these dates are going to be dropped now.”
Human Rights Watch director accuses govt of 'brazen and gross abuse of power'
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK director of Human Rights Watch Yasmine Ahmed has accused the government of a “brazen and gross abuse of power” over its attempt to ban Palestine Action.
“This verdict is a shot in the arm for British democracy at a time when it is facing a barrage of attacks by this government to undermine our rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and speech,” she said.
“Palestine Action is not a terrorist organisation and should never have been designated a terrorist organisation.
“Today’s verdict reinforces what many of us have been saying all along – that the government’s misuse of terrorism legislation was a brazen and gross abuse of power that served to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel and those profiting from its atrocities.
“The pursuit of justice doesn’t end with this verdict. People have been robbed of their rights and thousands have had their lives upended by being arrested pursuant to a ban that has been found to be unlawful.
“We mustn’t allow the government to brush this scandal under the carpet. There must be a thorough and independent investigation to understand how this decision was made and to ensure guardrails can be put in place to ensure similar abuses cannot happen in the future.”
'Nature and scale' of group's activities had not reached 'level, scale and persistence' to justify proscription
11:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn the 46-page judgment, Dame Victoria Sharp said: “We accept that the fact of proscription and the heavy penalties for the offences under the 2000 Act will mean that it is reasonable to expect people to be risk averse, to adjust their behaviour and to avoid doing things that run any significant risk that they might commit any of those criminal offences.”
The judge added that people who were closely associated with the group “may self-censor to a greater degree than others” due to the fear of committing an offence.
Dame Victoria later added: “Considering in the round the evidence available to the home secretary when the decision to proscribe was made, the nature and scale of Palestine Action’s activities, so far as they comprise acts of terrorism, has not yet reached the level, scale and persistence that would justify the application of the criminal law measures that are the consequence of proscription, and the very significant interference with convention rights consequent on those measures.”
Why was Palestine Action banned as a terror group and what will happen to the thousands arrested at protests?
11:15 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action’s co-founder has won a High Court challenge over the ban of the organisation as a terror group on two grounds, judges have said.
But why was the group proscribed in the first place - and what will happen to the protesters who have been arested?
Albert Toth has more below:
Why was Palestine Action banned and what will happen to arrested protesters?
Corbyn hails court ruling an ‘enormous victory’
11:07 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFormer Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has described the High Court’s ruling as an “enormous victory”.
The Independent MP for Islington North wrote on X: “This is an enormous victory for the Palestinian solidarity movement, for civil liberties and for our common humanity.
“The real crime is this government’s complicity in genocide - and we will not rest until we have justice for the Palestinian people.”
Palestine Action activists call for resignation of former home secretary Yvette Cooper
11:01 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action activists have called for the resignation of former home secretary Yvette Cooper after the High Court ruled the ban should be overturned.
In a speech delivered outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday morning, activist Lisa Minerva Luxx said: “They (High Court judges) are not saying it is unlawful now, they are saying it was always unlawful.
“This means that Yvette Cooper lied to the British public, lied to get it (the ban) through the House of Commons, she even lied to Parliament.
“She lied when she said that she had intelligence on disturbing plans, she lied about nefarious funding and the courts have proven that none of that was true. She cannot be trusted to serve as a minister of this country in any capacity and she must resign today.”
Ms Luxx also called for the current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign, adding: “The British government have betrayed the British people and this is a tiny morsel of a taster of how much they betrayed Palestinian people.
“The government paid nearly a million pounds to persecute British people for having a moral compass that was at odds with their foreign interests.”
Government must ‘end authoritarian attacks’ on protests, says Green MP
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
Green Party MPs have welcomed the High Court’s ruling that the government’s ban Palestine Action under anti-terror laws was unlawful.
All four sitting Green Party MPs voted against the ban in parliament last year.
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central and former co-leader of the Green Party, said the government must “end its authoritarian attacks on peaceful protest” in light of the ruling.
“Greens voted against proscription, so we welcome this,” she wrote on X.
“Govt must now immediately end its authoritarian attacks on peaceful protest, and fully address its complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
Labour MP criticises Starmer’s ‘draconian ban’ on Palestine Action after court ruling
10:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer is under fire from MPs within his own party after the High Court ruled his ban on Palestine Action was unlawful.
Jon Trickett said he thought the ban was not “compatible” with British constitutional rights.
The Labour MP for Normanton and Hemsworth abstained from the vote on the ban in parliament last year.
“Starmer’s draconian ban on Palestine Action now in jeopardy following High Court ruling,” he wrote on X.
“I never thought it was compatible with our constitutional rights, and told the whips I couldn’t vote for it.
“Solidarity with all those who protested and were arrested.”
Home secretary made 'significant' error and breached her own policies, court says
10:48 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn a 46-page judgment, Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn, said the home secretary had made a “significant” error on breaching her own policies.
Dame Victoria continued: “She exercised the discretion to proscribe taking account of a consideration inconsistent with her own policy, namely the advantages to be had, were Palestine Action to be proscribed, from the criminal offences consequent on proscription.”
The senior judge said that “subject to any further representations on relief, we propose to make an order quashing the Home Secretary’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action.”
During a short hearing on Friday morning, Dame Victoria said that both sides had until February 20 to provide written arguments on what should be the consequences of the High Court’s decision.
In pictures: Palestine Action protesters celebrate outside court as ban ruled unlawful
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Former Labour shadow chancellor urges the government not to appeal Palestine Action ruling
10:44 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
John McDonnell, Labour’s former shadow chancellor, has welcomed the ruling as he called on the government not to appeal the case.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “This is fantastic news. I voted against proscription as this was an assault on our civil liberties. I urge the government not to appeal.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski calls for convictions to be quashed
10:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGreen Party leader Zack Polanski said charges against protesters who supported Palestine Action should now be dropped.
He said: “The court has ruled that the Government’s authoritarian ban on Palestine Action was unlawful.
“Now it is time for the Government to stop criminalising the people protesting a genocide – and start ending the UK’s complicity.
“Over 2,700 people have so far been arrested for holding a sign opposing genocide and the proscription of Palestine Action.
“Those already charged should have those charges dropped, and the Crown Prosecution (Service) should discontinue action against all those arrested.”
Everything Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori said after historic win
10:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn a statement, Huda Ammori, said: “This is a monumental victory both for our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people, striking down a decision that will forever be remembered as one of the most extreme attacks on free speech in recent British history.
“Palestine Action is the first civil disobedience organisation that does not advocate for violence to be proscribed by the British Government as a ‘terrorist’ group, in a Trumpian abuse of power which would have seen this Labour Government proscribe the Suffragettes.
“This ban was unlawful, resulting in the unlawful arrest of nearly 3,000 people – among them priests, vicars, former magistrates and retired doctors – under terrorism laws for simply sitting in silence while holding signs reading: ‘I oppose genocide – I support Palestine Action’.
“It would be profoundly unjust for the Government to try to delay or stop the High Court’s proposed order quashing this ban while the futures of these thousands of people hang in the balance, many of whom are elderly or disabled and facing up to 14 years’ imprisonment for this entirely peaceful protest.”
Ms Ammori continued: “Any such attempt by the Government would prolong that injustice, deepen the strain on a criminal justice system already in crisis, with severe court backlogs and overcrowded prisons, and risk wasting millions of pounds of public money in senselessly seeking to reverse a clear decision, handed down by some of the most senior judges on the High Court, including the President of the King’s Bench Division.
“It would be a draconian overreach and a blatant affront to the rule of law for more people to be arrested today and in the coming weeks for defying a ban which has been ruled unlawful.”
She added: “We’ve used the same tactics as civil disobedience groups throughout history, including anti-war groups Keir Starmer defended in court, and the Government acknowledged in these legal proceedings that this ban was based on property damage, not violence against people.”
Ms Ammori concluded: “It is frankly despicable that the reason the British public had our civil liberties unlawfully stripped, was to protect the profits of Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer while it arms a genocide against the Palestinian people.
“This absurdly authoritarian ban was rightly condemned across the political spectrum – including by our critics and opponents – for setting an extraordinarily dangerous precedent threatening the rights of everyone in our society.
“Today’s landmark ruling is a victory for freedom for all, and I urge the Government to respect the court’s decision and bring this injustice to an end without further delay.”
Home secretary vows to appeal Palestine Action judgement
10:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The home secretary has vowed to appeal the High Court's judgement that Palestine Action’s ban under terrorism legislation is unlawful, saying she is "disappointed by the Court's decision".
In a statement on Friday morning, Shabana Mahmood said: “The Court has acknowledged that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism, celebrated those who have taken part in those acts and promoted the use of violence.
“It has also concluded that Palestine Action is not an ordinary protest or civil disobedience group, and that its actions are not consistent with democratic values and the rule of law.
“For those reasons, I am disappointed by the Court’s decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organisation is disproportionate."
She added: “The proscription of Palestine Action followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process, endorsed by Parliament. The proscription does not prevent peaceful protest in support of the Palestinian cause, another point on which the Court agrees.
“As a former Lord Chancellor, I have the deepest respect for our judiciary. Home secretaries must however retain the ability to take action to protect our national security and keep the public safe. I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal.”
Palestine Action co-founder reacts to ruling
10:28 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori has reacted publicly to the High Court ruling in her favour over the group’s proscription.
In a post on X she wrote: “BREAKING: WE WON.
“The High Court ruled the Palestine Action ban is unlawful as it is disproportionate to free speech and the Home Secretary breached her own policy.
“The court ordered the ban be quashed. Details of lifting the ban will be decided and completed at a later date.”
BREAKING: WE WON.
— Huda Ammori (@HudaAmmori) February 13, 2026
The High Court ruled the Palestine Action ban is unlawful as it is disproportionate to free speech and the Home Secretary breached her own policy.
The court ordered the ban be quashed. Details of lifting the ban will be decided and completed at a later date.
Analysis: Humiliation for Starmer as Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful
10:24 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
At the end of a terrible week for the prime minister, this judgement comes as a humiliating blow.
The Home Office's decision to ban Palestine Action under terrorism laws has been judged unlawful.
Last year as the row over the ban depended Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti told The Independent that it risked becoming the PM’s ‘poll tax' moment -a reference to Margaret Thatcher’s unpopular policy that triggered civil disobedience and riots.
But Downing Street defended the move to ban the group, saying it was “violent”, had committed “significant injury” as well as criminal damage, and that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre had found the organisation had carried out three separate acts of terrorism.
As Starmer heads to the Munich Security Conference to discuss security with other world leaders this judgement will come as a blow.
Earlier this week the Independent revealed that the Home Office spent nearly £700,000 fighting the legal battle over the group’s terror ban.
Hundreds chant 'Free Palestine' outside High Court building in London
10:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAbout a hundred people gathered outside the High Court building in central London are cheering and chanting “Free Palestine” after news broke that judges have ruled the Home Office’s decision to ban Palestine Action under terrorism laws was unlawful.
Palestine Action to remain proscribed as terror group to allow for appeal
10:18 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn have decided that the terror ban will remain in force until further legal hearings can take place.
Lawyers for Ms Ammori and the Home Office have till the 20 February to provide further submissions to the court ahead of more hearings that will decide whether the ban should be lifted.
Ban 'resulted in very significant interference with right to freedom of speech'
10:14 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Justice Victoria Sharp has told the High Court that the proscription of Palestine Action “did result in a very significant interference with the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly”.
She added that “the Palestine Action was disproportionate, a few small of Palestine Action’s activities amounted to terrorism”.
She said that the criminal acts “had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription.”
BREAKING: Palestine Action co-founder wins High Court challenge
10:08 , Nicole Wootton-CanePalestine Action’s co-founder Huda Ammori has won a High Court challenge over the ban of the organisation as a terror group on two grounds, judges have said.
High Court decision on Palestine Action ban expected later today
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe High Court is to rule on whether the Home Office’s decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws was lawful on Friday.
Palestine Action’s co-founder Huda Ammori is taking legal action against the department over the then-home secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The activist group had been allowed to challenge the Home Office over its proscription as a terrorist organisation after the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal.
You can read more about why the group was banned below:
Watch: 'Catastrophic lack of judgement' - Ed Davey calls out Starmer on appointment of 'pedophile supporter'
09:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneComment: The race to replace Keir Starmer is still on – and Angela Rayner is ready to strike
09:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The race to replace Starmer is still on – and Angela Rayner is ready to strike
Important Wormald’s successor’s background is ‘looked at carefully’, says minister
09:07 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
It is important that the background of the next top civil servant is “looked at carefully”, a minister has said.
Sir Keir Starmer has been under pressure in recent weeks over failings in the government’s vetting process, as highlighted by Lord Peter Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle.
As his cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald leaves the job, the prime minister has been urged to vet his replacement thoroughly. It comes as top home office civil servant Dame Antonia Romeo is said to be the the frontrunner to replace Chris, despite allegations of bullying.
Water minister Emma Hardy told Times Radio on Friday that the government must “look very carefully” at a successor’s background.
“I think that's certainly something that's become even more important in the last few weeks,” she said.
“So I think it's important that her background is looked at carefully.”
Reform by-election candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
08:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneReform UK’s candidate in an upcoming by-election has called for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending “fertility crisis”.
Days after The Independent revealed that Matt Goodwin previously suggested people who don’t have children should be taxed extra as punishment, an unearthed clip posted to his personal YouTube channel in November 2024 has shown the former academic warning that “many women in Britain are having children much too late in life”.
In the video, Mr Goodwin – who is standing for Reform UK in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election – argued: “We need to explain and educate to young children, the next generation, the severity of this crisis.”
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke has this exclusive below:
Reform candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Starmer's outgoing cabinet secretary receives £260,000 payout
08:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer's outgoing cabinet secretary is to receive a payout of over £250,000, as he became the latest of the prime minister’s top team to resign.
Sir Chris Wormald stood down as Britain’s top civil servant after just 14 months on Thursday evening, just days after the resignations of chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and communications chief, Tim Allan.
Typically, the civil service offers those who voluntarily leave one month’s pay per year of service, up to 21 months. Having joined the civil service in 1991, Sir Chris would be eligible for the maximum amount, said to be £260,000.
However, payments of more than £95,000 have to be authorised by the Treasury under value-for-money rules.
No 10 declined to comment on reports Sir Keir Starmer had been forced to sign off the payment through a formal “ministerial direction”, as it did not meet Whitehall’s value-for-money rules.
Former cabinet secretary hits out at “shabby” anonymous briefings against civil servants
08:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA former cabinet secretary has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s government for briefings against civil servants, after Sir Chris Wormald left the post this week.
Gus O'Donnell described the briefings as one of the current Labour government’s “biggest failings” and urged the prime minister to “get a grip” on his special advisors.
“Where it's shabby is the fact that we've got to this place and that they have briefed anonymously against the cabinet secretary, saying it's not working,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.
“You've seen it right from the start with Sue Gray briefings against her. This is the fundamental problem that and that is something the prime minister can solve by getting a grip on his special advisors.”
Starmer 'keen to make sure we have the team we need', minister says
08:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA minister has said Sir Keir Starmer is “keen to make sure we have the team we need” following a number of high-profile departures from Downing Street in recent days.
Water minister Emma Hardy told Sky News: “Well, I think he (Sir Keir) is keen to, sort of, you know, look at his team and make sure that we have the team we need to deliver on the priorities this year.”
She added the prime minister is “absolutely dedicated to cutting the cost of living”.
“I know for definite that’s what people talk to me about here, and how they constantly talk to me about problems around the cost of living,” she said.
“So I think it’s right that he has a team that is able to drive that forward.”
Minister denies Starmer has thrown top civil servant ‘under the bus’
08:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer is facing claims that he has thrown his cabinet secretary “under the bus” as he seeks to reset his Downing Street operation following a turbulent start to 2026.
Sir Chris Wormald has stood down as Britain’s top civil servant after just 14 months on Thursday evening, just days after the resignations of chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and communications chief, Tim Allan.
But water minister Emma Hardy rejected criticism of the prime minister, who has been accused of throwing his team “under the bus” by Kemi Badenoch.
“No, I really don't think he is,” she told Sky News. “But of course, Kemi’s going to say things like that.”
Defending Sir Keir’s many changes in his top team, she added: “He's keen to look at his team and make sure that we have the team we need to deliver on the priorities this year.”
Major union backs Rayner to replace Starmer if Labour fails in Gorton and Denton by-election
07:49 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA major union has given its backing to Angela Rayner if Labour fails to win the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), has publicly backed Angela Rayner to replace him, marking the first time a leader of one of Labour’s affiliated unions has openly supported an alternative to Sir Keir.
Ms Eslamdoust told the Daily Telegraph: “If we were to come third, I think Keir’s time will be up.”
But a spokesperson for Ms Rayner said there was “no contest and no vacancy”.
The spokesman added: “Angela has been clear Labour must come together, avoid distraction and work as a team to deliver for the public.”
You can read the full story below:
Major union backs Rayner to replace Starmer if Labour fails in Gorton by-election
Chris Wormald quits: Cabinet secretary steps down as Starmer loses another member of No 10 team
07:00 , Bryony Gooch
Britain’s top civil servant quits in another exit from Starmer’s team
Watch: Badenoch accuses PM of 'stuffing government with paedophile apologists' amid Lord Doyle row
06:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: Andy Burnham criticises Sir Jim Ratcliffe for anti-immigration comments
05:00 , Bryony GoochMayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has criticised Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, for his comments on immigration.
“If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions,” said Mr Burnham.
Keir Starmer doesn’t have a ‘women problem’ - he has a ‘man problem’
04:00 , Bryony Gooch
Keir Starmer doesn’t have a ‘women problem’ - he has a ‘man problem’
Female Labour parliamentarians criticise Downing Street 'boys' club'
03:00 , Bryony GoochFemale Labour parliamentarians have called for Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a woman as his de facto deputy after a series of controversies which critics say has exposed a “boys’ club” in Downing Street.
No 10 has rejected the accusations about the way it has been run, but the Prime Minister has said he would consider a suggestion from Baroness Harriet Harman to revive the position of first secretary of state, which functions in practice as a deputy prime minister, and give the role to a woman.
Watch: Disdain for Labour unites Gorton and Denton ahead of crucial by-election
02:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: UK to provide Ukraine with more than £500m for new defence missiles and systems
01:00 , Bryony GoochThe United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with more than £500 million for new defence missiles and systems, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
Defence secretary John Healey said the UK will contribute £150 million for the first time to Nato’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (Purl), a programme designed to speed up the country’s air defence support.
A further 1,000 UK-made lightweight multirole missiles will be delivered to Ukraine as part of a £390 million deal.
The announcement comes as Mr Healey co-hosts meetings in Brussels with the 50-nation Ukraine Defence Contact Group and Nato defence ministers on Thursday.
Will lowering the voting age change Britain’s political landscape?
00:00 , Bryony Gooch
Will lowering the voting age change Britain’s political landscape?
Reform 'flagship' local authority passes budget despite warning of 'recklessness'
Thursday 12 February 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochReform UK’s “flagship” local authority in Kent has passed its first budget despite warnings from opposition leaders of “extreme risk” and it being “potentially reckless”.
Kent’s Reform leaders have secured a 3.99 per cent council tax increase, 1% under the limit before a referendum is required, despite promising ahead of their election win not to raise tax.
But opposition bosses have criticised the move for not raising it to the maximum possible, which will leave the council with £10 million less for the next financial year that could have protected services and reserves.
They also pointed to a statement from the council’s head of finance, David Shipton, legally required to be considered for the budget, where he said: “The decision to raise the council tax household charge below the level permitted without a referendum poses a long-term financial risk as a result of the council tax income forgone.”
Burnham and Rayner join forces to criticise Starmer's pub tax rates
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:52 , Bryony GoochBoth Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham have criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s pub tax grab as the prime minister fights for his leadership.
The two Labour figures, who have been tipped as potential rivals in a future leadership contest, suggested the Sir Keir should cut VAT to ease pressure on struggling businesses.
The former deputy prime minister, speaking at a nighttime economy summit in Liverpool, called for extra help for the sector to help struggling towns and cities.
During a question and answer session after her speech, Ms Rayner, forced from Government last year over a tax row involving her properties, said: “And I think that we’ve got to recognise the, it’s not even the double whammy, it’s not even the triple whammy.
“I mean, I talked about the challenges on business rates, the challenges on VAT. The challenges, yes, the minimum wage going up and the living wage and the costs of energy.”
Mr Burnham later supported a “VAT rate more consistent with what you find in Europe because of the social value that your businesses bring to places and towns that need that life injected into them,” according to The Telegraph.
“I personally would support permanently a lower business rates regime for hospitality businesses for exactly the same reason.”
Watch: Dorries says Ratcliffe's claim Britain has been ‘colonised’ by migrants is 'not hard-right rhetoric'
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:44 , Bryony GoochTrade union leader calls for Starmer to stand down if Labour comes third in Gorton and Denton by-election
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:16 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer should stand down if Labour comes third in the Gorton and Denton by-election, a trade union leader has said as she backed Angela Rayner to replace him.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), is the first leader of one of Labour’s affiliated unions to publicly back an alternative to Sir Keir as party leader.
She warned that a leadership challenge could come as soon as the end of the February, after a key by-election in which Labour risks falling behind Reform UK and the Greens.
Ms Eslamdoust told the Daily Telegraph: “If we were to come third, I think Keir’s time will be up.”
Home Office spent £700k on Palestine Action proscription legal fight
Thursday 12 February 2026 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Home Office spent £700k fighting Palestine Action proscription legal battle
In pictures: Angela Rayner calls for more support for nightlife sector
Thursday 12 February 2026 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
Rayner: Government must listen to struggling hospitality sector
Thursday 12 February 2026 20:30 , Bryony GoochAngela Rayner has said the Government must listen to the struggling hospitality sector and recognise its “value not just in rhetoric, but in policy”.
The former deputy prime minister was speaking at Liverpool’s Night Time Economy Summit on “what we need to see from Labour in the future”.
She said: “If we’re serious about recovery, then we must fuel the recovery of them (businesses).
“That means recognising the value not just in rhetoric, but in policy. And this is where we must be candid.
“There is, without doubt, a clear divide between policy that truly understands the night time economy and policy that simply applies a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Too often, policy is done to this sector, not with it. And I recognise clearly and openly that more needs to be done to engage the industry directly and consistently and respectfully, to listen, to co-design, to recognise expertise where it exists.
“Because confidence in politics matters. Businesses need to believe that they will be treated fairly, that the rules won’t shift without warning, that the long-standing structural issues will finally be addressed, not deferred again.”
John Healey tells Ukraine’s allies to make 2026 ‘the year this war ends’
Thursday 12 February 2026 20:00 , Bryony GoochUkraine’s allies should make sure 2026 is the year Russia’s war against Kyiv ends, the Defence Secretary has said.
Speaking after a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels, John Healey said Ukraine’s allies were “more united and more determined than ever”.
He said: “We will step up military assistance to Ukraine. We will step up pressure on Russia.
“And we want to make 2026 the year this war ends, the year we secure peace.”
Rayner calls for a dedicated night-time economy minister
Thursday 12 February 2026 19:30 , Bryony GoochAngela Rayner has called for Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a dedicated night-time economy minister as she warned “more needs to be done” to support the industry.
In a challenge to the Labour government, the former deputy prime minister suggested venues face a “triple whammy” of costs with business rates, VAT and a minimum wage increase, on top of other pressures.
Speaking at a summit on the night-time economy in Liverpool, Ms Rayner said the sector should have a “true champion on the national stage” to represent its interests.
The Labour MP, who served as Sir Keir’s deputy and as local government secretary until resigning last year after a row over her underpayment of stamp duty on a new property, told an event in Liverpool: “We need to do better.
“We need to recognise the value of this industry, economically, culturally, socially.
“We need to design policy with the industry and not for it.”
She added: “I would support the government in having a named minister with responsibility for the night-time economy to champion the sector inside government and ensure that the voices of small and medium businesses are heard loud and clear.”
Exclusive: Reform by-election candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Thursday 12 February 2026 19:00 , Bryony GoochReform UK’s candidate in an upcoming by-election has called for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending “fertility crisis”.
Days after The Independent revealed that Matt Goodwin previously suggested people who don’t have children should be taxed extra as punishment, an unearthed clip posted to his personal YouTube channel in November 2024 has shown the former academic warning that “many women in Britain are having children much too late in life”.
Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:
Reform candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Culture Secretary intervenes in Daily Mail owner’s £500m Telegraph takeover
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:45 , Bryony GoochThe culture secretary has intervened and launched a probe into The Telegraph’s proposed £500 million takeover by the owner of the Daily Mail over competition concerns.
It comes a month after Lisa Nandy had said she was “minded to intervene” on public interest grounds.
On Thursday, she confirmed in a written statement that she has launched a public interest intervention into the deal, which would expand one of the UK’s largest media groups.
The secretary said she has “concerns” related to the public interest, including how the move could impact the “plurality of views” in UK news media.
Therefore, she is specifically keen to assess whether the deal will impact newspaper customers by reducing the number of titles owned by different parent groups.
Watch: 'Catastrophic lack of judgement': Ed Davey calls out Starmer on appointment of 'pedophile supporter'
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:30 , Bryony GoochKent County Council passes first Reform UK budget
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:14 , Bryony GoochKent County Council, the largest authority in the country, has passed its first budget under Reform UK leadership.
The vote was carried with 48 councillors in favour, 26 against and 1 abstention.
Reform councillors represent 48 out of the 81 seats.
Summing up the debate, deputy leader Brian Collins said the budget has been “carefully thought through”, adding: “Some people call it risky, I call it bold”.
MSPs vote to back draft Budget as Lib Dems agree deal with Scottish Government
Thursday 12 February 2026 18:00 , Bryony GoochMSPs have voted to back the draft Scottish Budget at stage one as the Government announced changes due to a deal with the Lib Dems.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison proposed the Budget (Scotland) (No.5) Bill, which was supported by 65 votes to 30 at stage one on Thursday. There were 24 abstentions.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene confirmed in the chamber at First Minister’s Questions that the Lib Dems had struck a Budget deal with the Scottish Government on social care, hospices and hospitality.
Watch: Starmer hits out at Jim Ratcliffe over ‘colonised’ by immigrants claim
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:45 , Bryony GoochPictured: Sir Chris Wormald, who has stepped down from his role as Cabinet Secretary
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:30 , Bryony Gooch
No 10 decline to 'comment on speculation' about Whitehall's future
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:21 , Bryony GoochNo 10 earlier declined to “comment on speculation” when asked about rumours that Dame Antonia Romeo, the Home Office permanent secretary, will take over the Whitehall reins.
Dame Antonia has been announced as one of three interim replacements for Sir Chris Wormald, performing the role jointly with Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little and Treasury permanent secretary James Bowler.
The Cabinet Office said Sir Keir Starmer was expected to appoint a new cabinet secretary “shortly”.
Cabinet Secretary responsibilities to be shared between three people in interim
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:10 , Bryony GoochDame Antonia Romeo, who is widely tipped to be in line for Sir Chris Wormald’s former job, Catherine Little and James Bowler will share the responsibilities of Cabinet Secretary for an interim period.
The permanent secretary at the Home Office, permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, and permanent secretary at the Treasury would take over the duties following the departure of Sir Chris on Thursday.
The Prime Minister will appoint a new Cabinet Secretary “shortly” and the appointment process will be agreed by the First Civil Service Commissioner, the Cabinet Office said.
Analysis: Wormald sacking is another sign of a government in chaos
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:07 , Bryony GoochDavid Maddox, political editor, reports:
It is only a little over a year since Sir Keir Starmer appointed Sir Christopher Wormald to the most senior position in Whitehall as cabinet secretary to run the civil service. And yet just 13 months later he is giving the 57-year-old mandarin his marching orders dressed up as “leaving by mutual agreement”.
This latest departure from Downing Street is yet another sign of a Labour government in complete chaos led by a man - the prime minister Sir Keir Starmer - who seems incapable of choosing the right people for senior jobs.
As a result of Wormald going there is currently no cabinet secretary, chief of staff or director of communications in Downing Street. This is a government bereft of leadership.In fact in 19 months as prime minister Sir Keir has gone through two cabinet secretaries (he did not like the one he inherited Simon Case), two chiefs of staff (with the departures of Sue Gray and Morgan McSweeney) and four directors of communication.
Added to that his judgement over appointments is in question over picking Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing he had an ongoing relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
And also promoting his first director of communications Matthew Doyle to the Lords despite knowing he had campaigned for a now convicted paedophile after charges were brought.
The prime minister is not in the clear by any means from the threat of a Labour Party coup and if he is to somehow survive he needs to start making better senior appointments and end the chaos.
Badenoch accuses Starmer of throwing staff under the bus
Thursday 12 February 2026 17:02 , Bryony GoochLeader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch has accused the Prime Minister of throwing staff under the bus as Sir Chris Wormold stands down from his role as Cabinet Secretary.
She said: “The Cabinet Secretary is the latest person Keir Starmer has thrown under the bus to save his own skin….”
The Cabinet Secretary is the latest person Keir Starmer has thrown under the bus to save his own skin…. https://t.co/QMTxWM8frs
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) February 12, 2026
Starmer says there was 'mutual decision' for Chris Wormald to stand down
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:57 , Bryony GoochPrime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he’s come to a mutual decision with Sir Chris Wormald that he would go.
Sir Chris was widely expected to be on his way out as the UK’s top civil servant as the Prime Minister seeks to reset his Downing Street operation after controversies surrounding the appointments of Lord Peter Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle despite their association with sex offenders.
Sir Keir said: “I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career of public service, spanning more than 35 years, and for the support that he has given me over the past year.
“I have agreed with him that he will step down as Cabinet Secretary today.
“I wish him the very best for the future.”
BREAKING: Chris Wormald to stand down
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:44 , Daniel HaygarthSir Chris Wormald will stand down as the UK’s top civil servant and head of the Civil Service, the Cabinet Office has announced.
Reform by-election candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:30 , Dan HaygarthReform UK’s candidate in an upcoming by-election has called for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending “fertility crisis”.
Days after The Independent revealed that Matt Goodwin previously suggested people who don’t have children should be taxed extra as punishment, an unearthed clip posted to his personal YouTube channel in November 2024 has shown the former academic warning that “many women in Britain are having children much too late in life”.
In the video, Mr Goodwin - who is standing for Reform UK in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election - argued: “We need to explain and educate to young children, the next generation the severity of this crisis.
“We need to also explain to young girls and women the biological reality of this crisis. Many women in Britain are having children much too late in life and they would prefer to have children much earlier on.”
BREAKING: Man Utd issue statement after Jim Ratcliffe comments
Thursday 12 February 2026 16:18 , Dan HaygarthThe club said: “Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.
“Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home. Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.
“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign. They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.
“Over the course of this season, we have participated in events and initiatives at our men's and women's games marking mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting.
“We have also celebrated our supporters' clubs' events, including our Disabled Supporters' Association's Christmas Party and our Jewish Supporters' Club's Chanukah event.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.
“This all sits alongside the incredible work which the Manchester United Foundation undertakes in and around Manchester on a daily basis.Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent. We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.”
