Appeal against a proscription or designation

Proscribed organisations

An organisation can be proscribed (banned) under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT) if the Secretary of State believes it is concerned in terrorism.

If an organisation is proscribed, it is added to the list of proscribed organisations in the Terrorism Act 2000.

Designated bodies

A body can be designated under the National Security Act 2023 (NSA) if the Secretary of State believes:

• it is involved in foreign power threat activity
• designation is necessary to protect the safety or interests of the UK

If a body is designated, it is added to the list of designated bodies.

Before you appeal

If an organisation has been proscribed or a body has been designated, you can apply to:

• remove the proscription or designation
• remove an alternative name for a proscribed organisation or designated body

Your application must:

• be in writing
• explain why you think the proscription or designation should be removed
• be sent to the relevant government department

Where to send your application

If your application is about a proscription, send your application to:

If your organisation has been proscribed for involvement in terrorism connected to Northern Ireland, send your application to:

If your application is about a designation, send your application to:

If your application is refused

If your application is refused by the Secretary of State, you can appeal to the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (also known as the commission).

How to appeal

Fill in the notice of appeal form.

Include any supporting documents, such as the decision letter.

Explain why you think the proscription of designation should be removed.

You may need legal advice from a solicitor to help with your appeal.

You may be able to get legal aid to pay for your legal fees.

Where to send the form

Send the form and supporting documents to siac.poacoffice@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk, or:

Time limits for appealing

You must appeal within 42 days of receiving your decision letter.

If you miss the deadline, you can ask for more time to appeal in section 4 of the form. You will need to explain why your appeal is late. The commission will consider whether there are special circumstances that explain why your appeal is late and whether it would be unfair not to hear it. The commission will then decide if it can still hear your appeal.

How your case will be decided

Your appeal will usually be decided by a panel made up of a High Court judge and 2 other commission members.

Hearings usually include:

• you and your lawyer
• a lawyer representing the Home Office
• the panel deciding your appeal

The commission will keep hearings open to the public whenever possible.

If the commission needs to consider evidence that cannot be shared with you for national security or other public interest reasons, part of the hearing may take place in a closed session. You or your lawyer will not be able to attend that part of the hearing.

If this happens, a special advocate will be appointed to represent your interests during the closed session.

The commission’s decision

The commission can uphold or overturn the decision.

If your appeal is allowed, the commission may order that the organisation or body is removed from the relevant list.

If you disagree with the commissioner’s decision, you can appeal to a higher court:

• Court of Appeal in England and Wales
• Court of Session in Scotland
• Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland

You can only appeal on a point of law. If you want to take the case any further, you should seek legal advice.

Legislation and rules

You can find more information in:

• the Terrorism Act 2000
• the National Security Act 2023
• the Proscribed Organisations (Application for Deproscription etc.) Regulations 2006
• the National Security Act 2023 (Applications to Remove a Designation etc.) Regulations 2026
• the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (Procedure) Rules 2007

Previous decisions

The commission’s decisions are available on the Judiciary website.