Animal Defenders International has had its political advertising appeal rejected by the High Court, however it was ruled that ADI would be able to sidestep the Court of Appeal, bringing its case directly to the House of Lords.

“We believe the Court’s decision today to allow us to go straight to the House of Lords is testament to the strength of out case… We believe that time will show that in this case UK law is simply out of step with modern media practice,” said Tim Phillips, campaigns director of ADI.

Tamsin Allen, of Bindman and Partners, ADI’s lawyers, said: “The practical effect of the decision to uphold the current ban on political advertising is to allow commercial organisations freedom to advertise in ways and in media which are not available to NGO’s and campaign groups.”

ADI brought the case after their television campaign, condemning the use of primates for commercial interests, was banned from UK television. However, the campaign video “My Mate’s a Primate” was recently ranked the 16th most watched directed video on Youtube, perhaps signalling an alternative route for political advertisements banned from television and radio.

Make Poverty History and Amnesty International, among others, have also previously felt the effects of the ban.