Ever since Palestine Action has been banned for direct action in opposing genocide, Defend Our Juries has been running a very strong campaign of resistance. The campaign, called Lift The Ban, has been carefully calibrated to allow more people to engage in the defiance.
Older people have been an important part of this campaign
Why so many old people?
People of all ages were protesting on Parliament Square on August 9th, but us oldies dominated.
Why should there be so many old people protesting the genocide in Gaza and the banning of Palestine Action and risking arrest for terrorism? Some have said they had taken part to give a voice to younger people who have more to lose by breaking the law. The Metropolitan Police tell us it could affect work and travel.
“I think they [ministers] are making themselves look an absolute joke.” Says Deborah Hilton who is 81 year and a former magistrate. “The government is looking [like] such idiots. I mean when people say, ‘What’s your status?’, and then I say, ‘Well, I’m on bail for terrorism’, they look at me as if the situation is farcical.”
‘This is not a terrorist organisation’, she says, ‘it’s a direct action organisation’.
The Guardian Aug 16th 2026
‘I’m proud to have made this stand’: over-60s arrested at Palestine Action ban protest explain their decision2026
Now it is our turn
While many elderly people are at home feeling hopeless, others have seen too much terror in Gaza and feel they must do something that might make a difference.
“I’m retired, so I’m not scared of being arrested. I won’t lose a job over it. So I think it’s important actually for the old people to actually get off their backs, on their hind legs and say something because we are actually safer than the youngsters.”
“Never been arrested before. So I’m quite nervous actually.” Older man on Parliament Square waiting to be arrested.
“Two million people are starving and our government do nothing about it and are complicit in it 600,000 march, they take no notice.”
Taken from a Guardian video
“We are actually safer than the youngsters.”
“I am a 77 year old woman, wheelchair user. I would be very happy to be arrested for standing (?) up for Palestine and Palestine Action. I have nothing to lose – I don’t have to apply for a job, a mortgage etc. I would willingly go to prison instead of a younger person whose life will be blighted by a ‘terrorism’ charge.
But then again, people who feel strongly and are angered by what’s happening in Palestine will see it as a risk to take. I despise this government and all the leaders around the world who are not listening to the millions and millions of ordinary people protesting at this evil- it’s beyond evil.”
If anyone is thinking of joining the silent Defy the Ban demonstration, it very important you read the advice from Defend Our Juries first.
If you are going to join the Lift the Ban protest you could just pitch up on Parliament Square, but it is much better if you can sign up using the Defend Our Juries form as it, first, gives the organisers an idea of the numbers who will be attending and secondly, if and when you are arrested Defend Our Juries will be able to contact you about legal support and provide with other help you might need.
The Defend Our Juries campaign to end the ban on Palestine Action is very well organised. They give very clear guidance on how to prepare for the demonstration, how to behave as you are being arrested, and the support you will get when released.
Conditional commitment – 1,500 or nothing
For the next big demonstration on October 6th, Defend Our Juries says the event will not go ahead unless 1,500 people sign up to join in.
What do I do?
The protest starts at 1pm and you are asked to attend shortly before that, and to bring a placard and a felt-tipped pen. Then you writes the words I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action and sit silently holding the placard for an hour.
Either during or after you are will likely be arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The law
Those that have been charged so far have been charged under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Section 13 makes it an offense to wear clothing or carry an article in a public place that would lead a reasonable person to suspect the wearer is a member or supporter of a proscribed organization. The penalty for this offense is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine.
Many of you may wish to join this silent demonstration but It is important that you read the advice from Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions by anyone thinking of joining this protest.
“People should be clear about the real-life consequences for anyone choosing to support Palestine Action. A terrorism conviction can severely impact your life and career – it can restrict your ability to travel overseas and work in certain professions. “I urge people to think very carefully about their actions at protests. Anyone who chooses to disobey the law will have to face the consequences.”
What is it like?
People have asked, what is it like to protest and be arrested? Click below for the experience of one older person who joined the Lift the Ban demonstrations.
Even Labour Party members do not like it!
And the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, favourability rating amongst Party members has fallen 14 percentage points since June. People do not like the ban on Palestine Action.
The Home Secretary rightly prosecutes for female genital mutilation (FGM) but refuses to ban the amputation of the limbs of thousands of children in Gaza without anaesthetic. Shame on the Home Secretary, shame on Britain.
Britain continues to support this War on Gaza, despite everything.
Of course they will say later they did all they could to …
Nobody can say they did not know.