A British High Court judge originally scheduled to rule on the legality of the UK government's designation of Palestine Action as a "terrorist" organization has been replaced by a new judicial panel, prompting accusations of bias due to the panel's pro-"Israel" ties.

The Electronic Intifada reported on Thursday that Justice Martin Chamberlain, known for his expertise in free speech law, was set to hear the case. But he was unexpectedly removed last week and replaced with a three-judge panel: Victoria Sharp, Karen Steyn, and Jonathan Swift.

The decision to replace Chamberlain has sparked concern among campaigners, given that similar judicial reshuffling occurred in other cases involving UK terrorism law and challenges to British support for "Israel".

Read more: UK official warns Palestine Action ban could criminalize uninvolved

Victoria Sharp appointed to lead three-judge panel

The appointment of Victoria Sharp to head the panel has drawn particular scrutiny. Sharp has documented family and professional ties to pro-"Israel" figures and institutions. Her twin brother, Richard Sharp, former chair of the BBC, sits on the board of One Million Mentors alongside Trevor Chinn, a long-time funder of pro-"Israel" groups in the UK.

Chinn has previously stated, “I’ve spent my entire life working for Israel” and was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Israeli president earlier this year for his “contribution to Israel and the Jewish people.”

Sharp’s family, professional links under spotlight

In the 1980s, Victoria Sharp worked as a barrister with Mischon de Reya, a law firm that would later represent "Israel" and various pro-"Israel" groups in UK legal challenges against the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign.

She also reportedly served as an advisor to media mogul Robert Maxwell, who was later revealed to have acted as a spy for "Israel".

Her brother, Richard Sharp, resigned from the BBC in 2023 after it emerged he had facilitated a £1 million loan to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson without disclosing the involvement, a breach of public appointments rules.

Previous rulings have favored Israeli interests

This is not the first time Chamberlain has been replaced in a politically sensitive case. Earlier this year, he was removed from a legal challenge brought by Palestinian rights group al-Haq over British arms exports for F-35 bombers used by "Israel". In that case, Karen Steyn, also on the new panel, ruled in favor of the government.

Critics say the reshuffling raises doubts about judicial neutrality in cases involving Palestinian rights and challenges to UK terrorism law.

Palestine Action targets Elbit Systems UK

Palestine Action has been at the center of a growing protest movement targeting Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of "Israel’s" largest arms manufacturer. The group accuses Elbit of supplying weapons used in "Israel’s" ongoing war on Gaza, which it characterizes as genocidal.

Multiple activists were arrested again this week for holding placards supporting Palestine Action, as public demonstrations around the case continue.

In July, the UN human rights chief condemned the UK’s ban on the group, calling it a “disturbing” misuse of counter-terror laws and urged the government to reverse the designation.

Keir Starmer cabinet linked to pro-'Israel' donors

Political pressure has intensified around the case following reports of deep connections between the Keir Starmer cabinet and pro-"Israel" donors.

An investigation by Declassified UK found that half of Starmer’s ministers had received financial support from donors aligned with pro-"Israel" lobbying groups. Among the most prominent is Trevor Chinn, a known supporter of Labour Friends of "Israel".

Campaigners argue that the judicial reshuffle, donor influence, and continued arrests form part of a broader crackdown on Palestine solidarity in the UK.

Read more: Leaked UK intel exposes flawed ban on Palestine Action