The outcome of that case will define whether Palestine Action remains banned. If the ban falls, then the 700 arrested so far are free - their cases would collapse. As for the group itself, it may feel emboldened - but would know that it could still be banned again if its actions cross the terrorism laws line.

It was no ordinary break-in. On June 20, under the cover of darkness, two activists entered what should have been one of Britain’s most secure military bases, RAF Brize Norton, and vandalised two Voyager planes.

One of the biggest mass arrests in modern British history threatens to clog the courts – but the Home Office is doubling down