UK Grandmother Arrested in Palestine Protest After Group Ban Sparks Outcry
British Grandmother Among Dozens Arrested After UK Bans Pro-Palestine Group
LONDON — A 68-year-old grandmother from Chichester has spoken out after being arrested during a protest just days after the UK government banned the group she was supporting. Gillian Mansfield, a retired banking consultant and mother of four, was detained on July 5 for participating in a demonstration backing Palestine Action, which had recently been declared a proscribed organisation under the UK’s Terrorism Act.
“It’s a terrible shock to be accused of potentially being a terrorist,” Mansfield told AFP. “I just worked hard, raised my family, lived an ordinary life. I was never politically interested.” But that changed, she said, after witnessing the devastation in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the Israeli military response.
The UK government banned Palestine Action after members of the group broke into an air force base and damaged two aircraft. Since the ban, more than 200 people have been arrested at protests organised by Defend Our Juries, a campaign group challenging what it calls a “disproportionate” crackdown. The United Nations rights chief has also raised concerns over the decision.
Those arrested, including Mansfield, now face the possibility of prison sentences of up to 14 years. A large protest is planned for this Saturday in London, with police warning attendees that arrests are likely.
Mansfield, who has seven grandchildren, said she felt compelled to act. “It was the most horrible feeling, that children’s homes and schools were being blown up,” she said. Though she was “terrified” before joining the protest, she stood her ground — refusing to move from the pavement until officers physically removed her. An 83-year-old woman sat beside her.
She spent 12 hours in police custody and is now banned from parts of London — restrictions that prevent her from taking her grandchildren to certain museums.
“It was just ordinary people,” she said. “We’re not terrorists.”
“A Responsibility to Speak Out”
Others arrested share Mansfield’s sentiment. Dr. Alice Clark, 49, a medical professional and former volunteer for Doctors Without Borders, was detained on July 19. She described her arrest as “shocking,” but said she felt a moral duty.
“Nobody wants to be arrested,” Clark said. “But I just feel there’s a responsibility. Our civil liberties are being undermined.”
The UK government maintains that the ban on Palestine Action is grounded in national security concerns. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the group as “not non-violent,” and cited “aggressive” tactics that have caused millions in damage.
But Clark, who has seen the impact of war firsthand, said images of starving children in Gaza pushed her to act. “There were points where I was close to tears,” she said about her time in custody. If convicted, she could lose her medical licence.
“If They Can Do It, So Can I”
Zahra Ali, an 18-year-old history student, was also arrested on July 19. She said the suffering in Gaza left her horrified. “The starvation in Gaza — it’s disgusting. And our government isn’t doing anything about that.”
Ali said she never saw herself as an activist. “I’m just a normal person who decided that what our government is doing is wrong.” While the idea of prison at her age is daunting, she drew strength from the older women standing beside her. “If people who are in their 80s can do it, then I can do it.”
None of the women has been formally charged yet. Meanwhile, Palestine Action’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, has launched a legal challenge to overturn the ban. A court hearing is scheduled for November.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
