Unexplained Judicial Switch Raises Alarm
The judge scheduled to hear a crucial legal challenge against the government's ban on Palestine Action has been unexpectedly removed from the case without explanation, prompting serious concerns about judicial transparency.
Mr Justice Chamberlain, who had previously granted permission for the judicial review and confirmed he would preside over the trial, was replaced last Wednesday by a panel of three different judges. The case challenging the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is due to begin on Wednesday.
Pattern of Last-Minute Changes
Legal experts have described the timing of this change as highly unusual, coming so close to the hearing date. This marks the second time this year that Chamberlain has been removed from a significant case involving Palestine-related matters.
Earlier this year, he was similarly replaced in the judicial review concerning the UK's sale of F-35 aircraft parts to Israel, another case he had granted permission to proceed. In that instance, the replacement judges ultimately ruled that Britain's decision to allow the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel was lawful.
Tayab Ali, a partner at law firm Bindmans, stated: "A sudden and unexplained shift from the single judge who already had conduct of the case to an entirely new panel of three is deeply concerning, particularly without any stated justification."
Transparency Concerns in Sensitive Case
The Ministry of Justice declined to provide reasons for Chamberlain's removal, referring inquiries to the judiciary press office, which also refused to comment on the matter.
The case holds significant implications for more than 2,350 peaceful protesters who could potentially face criminalisation as terrorists for holding signs stating 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action'.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries emphasised that Chamberlain was "widely respected for his fairness and independence" and noted that the usual process would involve adding judges to sit alongside him rather than removing him entirely.
Emily Apple, media coordinator for Campaign Against the Arms Trade, called the development "deeply alarming" and urged the court to provide clear reasoning, stating this raises serious questions about impartiality in cases concerning Palestine.
The three judges who will now hear the case are Dame Victoria Sharp, Mrs Justice Steyn and Mr Justice Swift. Despite the change, Chamberlain has continued to preside over application hearings related to the judicial review this week.
