Britain Archives - The European Legal Support Center (ELSC)

The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) and Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) File Complaint with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Against UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) Director Over Ethics Breaches and Unregulated Legal Activity

08/13/202508/13/2025

The ELSC and PILC have submitted a formal complaint to the SRA against Caroline Turner, Director of UKLFI, alleging breaches of the SRA’s Principles and Code of Conduct, including the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), which are lawsuits intended to limit freedom of expression on matters of public interest. Additionally, we are calling for an investigation into whether UKLFI is operating as an unregulated law firm, and urging the SRA to bring it under regulatory oversight.

Press Release

UK Taxpayer-Funded British Research Council Seeks to Force Palestinian Scholar into Israel’s Apartheid Courts

06/30/202506/30/2025

UK taxpayer-funded British charity CBRL is trying to force Palestinian scholar Dr Toufic Haddad into Israel’s apartheid courts, despite operating under UK law. The London Employment Tribunal will hear his case from 1–4 July 2025, challenging his dismissal and raising urgent questions about academic freedom, political discrimination, and British complicity in Israeli apartheid.

Press Release | Statement

Civil Society Letter to the UK Home Secretary outlines grave concerns over the decision to proscribe Palestine Action

06/23/202506/23/2025

Seven rights groups, including the ELSC, have condemned the UK Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a dangerous attack on the right to protest. Hours after receiving a joint letter urging restraint, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper moved forward with the ban—further criminalising Palestine solidarity and deflecting from the UK’s obligations under international law.

Press Release

Court Approves Cardiff University’s Sweeping Injunction Against Student Protests in Solidarity with Palestine

06/16/202507/03/2025

The High Court approved Cardiff University’s sweeping injunction banning Palestine solidarity protests across 10 campus sites. Despite ELSC’s intervention, the order targets “Persons Unknown” and applies until July 2026. This troubling precedent reflects growing repression of student protest, especially those challenging university ties to companies complicit in Israel’s war crimes, like Airbus. ELSC continues to resist.

Case Update

University of Birmingham Misconduct Panel Dismisses All Allegations Against Students Following ELSC Intervention

06/06/202506/06/2025

The University of Birmingham dismissed all allegations against students Mariyah Ali and Antonia Listrat after a misconduct panel found no wrongdoing. The case, rooted in racialised and Islamophobic bias, highlights UK universities’ growing repression of Palestine solidarity. With ELSC’s support, the students prevailed—underscoring the power of protest and the urgent need for academic accountability.

Press Release

ELSC Applies to Intervene in Trinity College Legal Action Targeting Palestine Solidarity Encampment

06/05/202506/05/2025

The ELSC has applied to intervene in High Court proceedings brought by Trinity College, Cambridge, seeking to ban a Palestine solidarity encampment. The intervention aims to defend protest rights and challenge legal overreach that threatens to suppress student activism and shield investments in Israeli arms and occupation-linked companies.

Press Release

UK Government must answer for new data on Israel arms exports, say seven civil society organisations

05/27/202507/17/2025

Seven civil society organisations are demanding answers from the UK government after new data reveals major discrepancies in arms exports to Israel. Despite announcing a suspension in September 2024, the data shows a sharp rise in military shipments—raising urgent questions about transparency, accountability, and compliance with international law.

Press Release

Arsenal F.C. Sued by Former Kitman After Being Dismissed for Speaking Out on Palestine

05/16/202505/16/2025

Arsenal FC faces legal action for firing long-serving kitman Mark Bonnick over pro-Palestine posts. With support from the ELSC, Bonnick challenges his dismissal, highlighting football’s complicity in censorship and growing repression of Palestine solidarity.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2025

04/04/202504/14/2025

In March 2025, ELSC defended students’ protest rights in the UK, challenged workplace repression in Germany, and supported legal action in Italy and beyond. From major court rulings to FOI campaigns and new resources for activists, this issue highlights key wins and ways to keep mobilising for Palestinian rights across Europe.

Case Update | Media Coverage

Exclusive: University of Birmingham Faces Legal Action Over ‘Punitive’ Crackdown on Students Protesting for Palestine

04/03/202504/14/2025

The European Legal Support Centre urges the University of Birmingham to drop disciplinary charges against Mariyah Ali and Antonia Listrat, student leaders targeted for protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. Their case highlights a broader UK crackdown on Palestine solidarity, threatening freedom of expression, student democracy, and the right to protest.

Case Update | Press Release

High Court Grants Reduced Version of Cambridge University’s Draconian Injunction, Despite Threat to Protest Rights

03/24/202504/14/2025

On 21 March, the High Court rejected Cambridge University’s attempt to ban Palestine-related protests. While some restrictions remain, the ruling marks a key win for protest rights and freedom of expression on campus.

Press Release

Cambridge University’s Attempt to Restrict Palestine Solidarity Protests Faces Legal Challenge in High Court

03/19/202504/14/2025

The High Court will hear Cambridge University’s bid to restrict Palestine-related protests. ELSC and Liberty argue the injunction unlawfully limits free expression and assembly. If granted, it sets a dangerous precedent for UK universities suppressing protest rights and political dissent.

Statement

Joint Public Statement in Response to Independent Inquiry into Antisemitism at Goldsmiths

03/13/202504/14/2025

A coalition of organizations has announced their withdrawal from the Independent Inquiry into Antisemitism at Goldsmiths, citing concerns over its exclusionary approach towards Palestinians and those who critique Israeli policies. The statement highlights issues such as a lack of transparency, incoherent responses from the College and Inquiry Chair, and the refusal to consider the impact of the Inquiry’s process on Palestinian and other minoritized groups. The decision underscores broader concerns about the misuse of antisemitism allegations to silence Palestinian voices and suppress academic freedom.

Campaigns

Defend the right to protest: Support SOAS and Cambridge student encampments for Palestine

03/13/202504/14/2025

UK universities are cracking down on student protests for Palestine using expensive injunctions. If successful, these legal actions could set a dangerous precedent across all campuses. Help raise £30,000 to challenge these repressive measures and protect students from devastating legal costs. Every donation helps defend the right to protest.

Activities & Events | Campaigns

Solidarity Forever: ELSC London Fundraiser

03/11/202504/14/2025

Join us for a powerful night of art, resistance, and community at the ELSC’s London fundraiser. Featuring comedy, poetry, music, and film — all in support of the ELSC Legal Fund and the Palestine solidarity movement.

ELSC Newsletter: February 2025

03/07/202504/14/2025

In February 2025, ELSC secured a final victory in the Speakap discrimination case, challenged anti-Palestinian repression in Germany and Austria, and spotlighted student rights in Britain. This issue also covers urgent updates on state repression, solidarity events, media coverage, and new resources to defend Palestine advocacy across Europe.

Case Update | Press Release

High Court rejects bid by the University of Cambridge for a long-term injunction on Palestine protests

03/03/202504/14/2025

The High Court has rejected the University of Cambridge’s bid to ban Palestine-related protests until 2030. This ruling affirms students’ right to protest, pushing back against the University’s attempts to suppress political expression and solidarity activism on campus.

ELSC Newsletter: January 2025

02/10/202504/14/2025

In January 2025, ELSC launched major legal actions across Europe, including a corporate complaint against Axel Springer and new evidence against Booking.com. From legal wins in Milan to school repression in Berlin, we continue defending the Palestine solidarity movement. Read the latest updates, resources, and how you can join the fight.

ELSC Newsletter: November 2024

12/20/202404/14/2025

In November 2024, ELSC secured key legal victories, including Dana Abu Qamar’s tribunal win and Shahd Abusalama’s settlement. We advanced our genocide case against the Dutch state and supported student protests and legal action in Germany and Italy. Read about our community events, legal updates, and vital resources for organisers.

Case Update

Supporting Palestinians’ Right to Resistance is protected under Free Speech: Dana Abu Qamar Wins Landmark Tribunal Victory to Overturn Home Office’s Visa Cancellation

10/31/202407/03/2025

LONDON, 30 October 2024: In a significant legal victory, Palestinian student Dana Abu Qamar has won her appeal at the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) against the Home Office’s attempt to cancel her student visa in December 2023. This decision comes after court documents showed that then-Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick personally intervened in the…

ELSC Newsletter: October 2024

10/29/202404/14/2025

In October 2024, ELSC filed a major lawsuit against the Dutch state for complicity in genocide, secured a legal win for Dr. Shahd Abusalama, and supported protests and repression cases across Europe. Read about our legal updates, solidarity actions, student wins, and how you can support the fight for Palestinian justice.

ELSC Newsletter: September 2024

09/20/202404/14/2025

Dear Friend, In the past month, we’ve fought some crucial battles and secured a number of legal victories, which we bring to you in this month’s newsletter, along with some useful resources to continue mobilising for Palestine. CASE UPDATES BDS Austria: we’re going to the Supreme Court! Do you remember our case supporting BDS Austria against…

Jobs

Call for Applications: Barry Amiel & Norman Melburn Trust Fellowship – Junior Researcher

09/19/202404/14/2025

ELSC is offering a one-year, full-time fellowship for a Junior Researcher in Britain. The role supports the Database of Repression through legal case summaries, research, and data analysis. Ideal for early-career researchers with strong writing and a commitment to Palestinian rights. Apply by 11 October 2024.

ELSC Newsletter: August 2024

09/11/202404/14/2025

In August 2024, ELSC supported landmark legal victories against repression—from fighting criminalisation of slogans in Germany to defending students and lecturers in the UK. This newsletter includes major case updates, strategic wins, and tools to push back against silencing tactics. Explore new resources and learn how to support ongoing legal actions.

Press Release

Disclosed emails reveal Tory Minister’s secret personal request to cancel a Palestinian student’s visa

09/04/202404/14/2025

LONDON, 04 SEPTEMBER 2024: Disclosed emails reveal that the Government’s decision to

ELSC Newsletter: July 2024

08/01/202404/14/2025

In July 2024, ELSC celebrated key victories in the Netherlands, Britain, and across Europe—supporting students, workers, and activists facing repression. This newsletter highlights legal wins, updates on strategic cases, new resources for the movement, and events from Berlin to Milan. Stay informed and mobilised for Palestinian rights.

Jobs

Call for Applications: Associate Solicitor (Senior Legal Officer) for Britain

06/17/202404/14/2025

ELSC is hiring an Associate Solicitor to lead legal work in Britain, managing litigation in public, employment, and defamation law. Based in London with remote flexibility, the role includes team management and legal strategy for Palestinian rights advocacy. Full-time consultancy. Apply by 12 July 2024. Interviews ongoing.

IN OUR MILLIONS

A Netpol report on the policing of resistance in Britain against Israeli genocide in Palestine. Since the start of October 2023, there have been weekly protests around the world calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the relentless slaughter of Palestinians and a halt on the export of weapons used against civilians…

Protesting at University in the UK: What Are My Rights?

A new ‘Know Your Rights’ guide for students and staff protesting at university, created with Liberty and Jude Lanchin, is now available. Learn about your rights, police powers, and more.

Calls to Action

UK Government Must Stop Crackdown on Freedom of Expression, Warn 46 NGOs including ELSC

03/08/202404/14/2025

ELSC is among 46 NGOs calling on the Prime Minister to stop the recent crackdown on fundamental rights to freedom of expression. The open letter has also been covered in the Guardian. 8 March 2024 To the Prime Minister, RE: Government proposals to crack down on the right to protest and free expression We, the undersigned, write…

Jobs

Call for Applications: Advocacy Officer for Britain

02/26/202404/14/2025

The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) is seeking an Advocacy Officer for Britain. Title: Advocacy & Communication Officer – Britain Full-time, with flexible working, contract offer as consultant Location: London – with the possibility of remote working in Britain and remote working will colleagues across Europe. Reports to: Chief of Advocacy and Communications. Line Management: None Salary:…

Jobs

Call for Application: UK Paralegal

11/01/202304/14/2025

The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) is seeking a Paralegal for the UK. Job title: Paralegal Department: UK Legal Defence Team Office location: Remote working Reporting to: UK Legal Officer – Team Leader Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility is required from time to time to meet the professional requirements of the…

Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom in UK Higher Education: The Adverse Impact of the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism

A new report reveals that the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism has restricted free speech in UK universities, silencing criticism of Israel and harming academic freedom, student wellbeing, and open discussion about Palestinian rights.

Press Release

New Report Highlights Major Free Speech Issues in UK Universities

09/12/202304/14/2025

A controversial definition of antisemitism that conflates criticisms of Israel with antisemitism has been used on campuses, leading to restrictions on the freedom of speech of staff and students, the new report reveals. This is the first study to expose the harmful implications of the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism following its adoption in UK universities. It was conducted by the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES), the largest academic association in Europe focused on the study of the Middle East and North Africa, and the European Legal Support Center (ELSC). The report demonstrates that the definition is not fit for purpose and is infringing on academic freedom and freedom of speech, while also harming the mental health, reputation and career prospects of students and staff.

Suppressing Palestinian Rights Advocacy through the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism

The ELSC’s new report reveals how the IHRA definition of antisemitism is weaponized to silence Palestinian rights advocacy, violating freedom of expression and assembly across the EU and UK. Read the full report here.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2023

04/11/202304/14/2025

Bringing you relevant updates on the defence of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe.

When the Notion of “Israel’s Right to Exist” is Used to Target Palestinian Rights Advocates with Unfounded Allegations: Expert Reports

UK-based organisation CAGE published two expert reports signed by leading scholars, Professor John Dugard SC [1] and Professor Avi Shlaim [2] on the notion of “Israel’s right to exist”. As observed in several cases of suppression of Palestinian rights advocacy, this concept is often very broadly interpreted by pro-Israel actors and raised to purport allegations…

Press Release

Two Muslim Women Take Lloyds Bank to Court for Discrimination

02/06/202304/14/2025

After being sanctioned for posting messages in support of Palestine on their internal work portal, two Muslim women are suing their employer for discrimination. Lloyds Bank PLC (“LBP” or “Lloyds”) is one of the biggest banks in the UK.

Jobs

Call for Applications: Chief Legal Officer

12/12/202204/14/2025

The ELSC is seeking a Chief Legal Officer based in Amsterdam to oversee the legal team on all cases and projects emanating (mainly) from Germany, The Netherlands and the UK.

ELSC Newsletter: October 2022

11/11/202204/14/2025

Bringing you all of this month’s updates on the defence of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe.

Statement

Joint Statement in Response to Dismissal of NUS President Shaima Dallali

11/02/202204/14/2025

The ELSC signed a joint statement with other organisations in the UK to condemn the dismissal of NUS Shaima Dallali.

Media Coverage

A Member of UK Lawyers for Israel Provides “Expert Opinion” to Support a Teacher Sanctioned for Antisemitism

10/24/202204/14/2025

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) member, Lesley Klaff, provided “expert witness testimony” in support of a pro-Israel teacher accused of posting antisemitic material. Her testimony contradicts UKLFI’s usual position on anti-Zionist commentary. In April 2022, she testified to a Panel for the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) that the IHRA definition of antisemitism is not to be interpreted strictly, but rather on a case-by-case basis, and that it should not be used to sanction people or restrict their freedom of speech.

ELSC Newsletter: June 2022

07/11/202204/14/2025

This month, at least three cases confirmed, again, that public pressure and collective support, sometimes coupled with litigation, constitute a great tool to achieve our rights as advocates for Palestinian rights!

ELSC Newsletter: April 2022

05/12/202204/14/2025

This month was marked by the launch of the campaign in support of German-Palestinian scholar Dr. Anna Younes. She is a German Palestinian academic who has been subjected to several disinformation campaigns and surveilled. In 2019, she discovered that a secret dossier circulated about her, distorting her academic work and other data to frame her as anti-Jewish racist, sexist and as a terrorist sympathizer. After two long years of proceedings with the Berlin Data Protection Authority that failed to issue a final decision on her case, Dr. Younes is now filing two lawsuits to seek justice.

Activities & Events

Webinar: Teaching Palestine in the Present

05/04/202204/14/2025

The ELSC Director Giovanni Fassina will join a great panel of scholars, researchers and representatives of NGOs at a webinar organised by The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES) on “Teaching Palestine in the Present”.

Statement

Protect the right to boycott

05/03/202204/14/2025

The UK government is proposing an ‘anti-boycott bill’ that, if passed, could dramatically affect the ability of individuals and organisations to campaign for social and climate justice in the UK and around the world.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2022

04/06/202204/14/2025

This month was marked by Women’s Rights Day as well as the Israeli Apartheid Week, where many students and activists organised events and protests to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and raise awareness about the Israeli apartheid. This week was not free from censorship, especially on campus, as shown by an incident in The Netherlands. We also share updates from the European Citizens’ Initiative Campaign as well as news from Germany, Austria, and a vacancy to work with us in the UK!

Jobs

Call for Applications: Britain Legal Officer

03/16/202204/14/2025

We are seeking a Legal Officer based in the UK to carry out ELSC’s activities in the UK and expand its team.

ELSC Newsletter: February 2022

03/05/202204/14/2025

This month, we share with you some victories from the UK and Switzerland, an important analysis on German case law in favour of BDS, updates on the cases of BT3P and BDS Austria, new cases of repression in Germany and The Netherlands, and a landmark European Citizens Initiative.

Press Release

The Case of Shahd Abusalama – A Palestinian Scholar Successfully Defeated Attempts to Silence Her

02/17/202204/14/2025

Shahd Abusalama faced a smear campaign and was about to lose a teaching position at Sheffield Hallam University. Her case, which we supported, illustrates the trend of growing repression of Palestinian rights advocacy on UK campuses. Shahd’s case also illustrates that solidarity and coordination are an effective way to collectively push back against unjust repression of legitimate advocacy for Palestinian rights.

Activities & Events

Workshop in Support of Students’ On-Campus Activism in the UK

02/03/202204/14/2025

As the Israel Apartheid Week is approaching, the ELSC is participating in a workshop organised by Young Palestine Solidarity Campaign on the 8th of February at 6 PM London time. The workshop is tailored for student solidarity organisers and student activist groups in support of Palestinian rights. It aims to address what Israeli Apartheid Week is, as to guide student activists in organising for this important international Palestine solidarity event that mobilises support for the Palestinian struggle for justice and human rights at their respective universities.

ELSC Newsletter: January 2022

02/03/202204/14/2025

Dear friend, This month we share with you our 2021 achievements in pushing back against silencing Palestinian rights advocacy, a campaign in support of an activist of BDS Austria sued over a Facebook post, updates on the repression of Palestinian civil society, an important ruling in Germany on the illegality of anti-BDS motion, and unfounded…

ELSC Newsletter: November 2021

12/08/202104/14/2025

Dear friend, This month we share with you important updates on challenging Israel’s attack on Palestinian civil society and the repression of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe including in the Netherlands and the UK, a webinar, op-eds, and other news and resources. On the 29th of November, which marked the International Day of Solidarity with the…

10 Situations in which the ELSC Can Defend your Right to Advocate

The ELSC released a new leaflet addressing 10 situations in which our team can defend the right to advocate for Palestinian rights.

ELSC Newsletter: October 2021

11/08/202104/14/2025

This month we share with you news on our work to push back against the criminalisation of Palestinian civil society by Israel as well as our new report on shrinking space and Palestinian rights advocacy in the Netherlands. We also share good news from the UK where the authorities rejected unfounded allegations by a lawfare group, updates from the BT3P team who challenged the German Parliament in Court, and new job and traineeship opportunities with the ELSC.

Media Coverage | Statement

UK government dismisses latest attempt by UK Lawyers for Israel to harm Palestinian civil society

10/11/202104/14/2025

For many years now, politically-motivated actors have used legal fora to inflict damage on civil society organizations supporting Palestinian rights, by attempting to silence them and delegitimise their work. These attacks, generally referred to as “lawfare”, are mostly conducted by disinformation groups supporting Israel’s occupation and apartheid regime, such as: NGO Monitor, Regavim, Shurat HaDin, International Legal Forum, Lawfare Project, and UK Lawyers For Israel (UKLFI).

ELSC Newsletter: September 2021

10/08/202104/14/2025

This month we share with you updates on our work protecting students and Palestinian advocates in the UK, a new report on European financial support for companies involved in the Israeli settlement enterprise, exciting news on the BT3P case challenging the German Bundestag, an important step challenging EU trade with occupied territories and a victory for academic freedom for an international legal scholar.

Activities & Events

Webinar: Resisting the IHRA Definition

09/20/202104/14/2025

On the occasion of the launch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s website ‘No to the IHRA definition’, the ELSC will be part of a panel to discuss the impact of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism on Palestinian rights advocacy and how to resist it. Wednesday 22 September 2021 at 7pm CET (6pm UK time)…

2020 ELSC Year-in-Review

Our 2020 Year-in-Review provides an overview our work, achievements and cases in the defence of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe in 2020.

ELSC Newsletter: June 2021

07/12/202104/14/2025

This month we share with you updates from our work around Europe. In Brussels, we sent a joint letter to the EU commission challenging the political instrumentalization of the controversial IHRA definition, in the UK we assisted students and academics to challenge repression when they speak up in defence of Palestinian rights and we challenged…

Jobs

Call for Applications: Legal Trainee – UK Project

06/09/202104/14/2025

We are presently seeking a legal trainee for our UK project work. The position will be based at the ELSC office in Amsterdam.

Statement

Joint statement on censorship of Palestine campaigning in schools

06/07/202104/14/2025

Repression and censorship have increased as mobilization and protests for Palestinian rights in Europe have grown in the past few weeks. In the UK, children in schools were reprimanded, suspended or even excluded for speaking up about Palestine or showing solidarity through symbols associated with Palestine like flags. The ELSC signed this joint statement along with British organizations to ask the government of the UK to end its repressive policies against activism in schools.

ELSC Newsletter: April 2021

05/04/202104/14/2025

This month, we have a few exciting victories for Palestinian rights advocacy. We recall an important success in The Netherlands, share with you a new report by Human Rights Watch detailing the crime of apartheid being committed by Israel against Palestinians, and report on the University of Toronto being censored for cancelling the employment of ELSC Advisory Board member Dr. Valentina Azarova for her human rights work.

ELSC Newsletter: March 2021

04/07/202104/14/2025

In this month’s newsletter, we share with you the release of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, welcome a new member to the ELSC advisory board and highlight our 2021 work so far and how you can help to make this an important year for the protection of Palestinian rights advocacy in Europe. JERUSALEM DEFINITION ON…

Press Release

New legal brief finds HS2 Ltd. is permitted to excluded CAF from building UK’s high speed railway

02/03/202104/14/2025

A new legal brief produced jointly by the European Legal Support Center and Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights has found that it is legal for HS2 Ltd – the company building the UK’s new high speed railway HS2 – to exclude from its procurement process companies which are complicit in ongoing breaches of international law, such as Spanish construction company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF).

2019 ELSC Annual Report

You will find in it an overview of accomplishments in the ELSC’s first year on the main pillars of our program – Monitoring, Legal Defence and Empowerment of the movement for Palestinian rights. Read our 2019 Annual Report