Updates in the Legal Applications for De-proscription
In April 2025, Riverway Law made an application to then UK Home Secretary (Yvette Cooper) under Section 4 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to remove the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) from the government's list of proscribed organisations.
The application argued that the proscription of Hamas violated Britain's obligations under international law. Some of the application's key arguments included that the ban:
Doesn't consider that Palestinians are defending themselves against extermination
Impedes humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza
Infringes upon human rights and freedom of expression protected under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
Undermines democracy given no tangible threat is posed to the UK from the group.
In June 2025, CAGE International also submitted an application to remove the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) from the government's list of proscribed organisations.
In July 2025, then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper refused the initial legal application by Riverway Law without engaged at all in the extensive application submitted.
In August 2025, Hamas submitted 7 grounds of appeal against the Home Secretary's unjust decision, moving the case to the Proscribed Organisations Appeals Commission.
In January 2026, the new Home Secretary - Shabana Mahmood - filed an application to strike out Hamas' appeal on account of 'secret evidence'.
In March 2026, the judge on the case ordered the Home Secretary to present the evidence, which she is required to do by 20 May 2026.
By 20 May 2026, the Home Secretary will file her reasons for rejecting the application for de-proscription.
By 26 June 2026, Hamas will respond to the Home Secretary's submission.
By 31 July 2026, the Home Secretary will file further statements and evidence.
