The government has failed in its attempt to block a challenge against its decision to ban Palestine Action under terrorism laws.

In a highly significant ruling, the Court of Appeal paved the way for the review of the ban before a High Court judge next month.

The co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, had won permission earlier this year for that judicial review of the Home Secretary’s ban.

Ministers then tried to stop the hearing from going ahead, arguing that Parliament had set out a specific and alternative process for appealing against banning orders.

The ban, which started on 5 July, makes membership of, or support for, the direct action group a criminal offence.

More than 2,100 people have been arrested in demonstrations since the group was banned. During those protests, they have held up signs reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.

Some 170 of the protesters have been charged with allegedly showing support for the group, which can lead to six months in jail.