Ben Plumpton
@benplumpton.bsky.social
Granny & climate activist. Now retired from Leeds University, still in UCU. Sadly no longer #angrylibrarian! Join your union, get active in your union! She/her.
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
BREAKING: White House says stop arresting protestors for supporting Palestine Action
Extremely embarrassing for Keir Starmer, this exemplifies how the ban & arrests for holding paper signs have made the UK an anti-free-speech outlier on the global stage
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Extremely embarrassing for Keir Starmer, this exemplifies how the ban & arrests for holding paper signs have made the UK an anti-free-speech outlier on the global stage
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Stop arresting Palestine Action supporters, White House tells Britain
Sarah Rogers, Donald Trump’s free speech tsar, says ‘censorship does more harm than good’
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 19, 2026 at 5:21 PM
BREAKING: White House says stop arresting protestors for supporting Palestine Action
Extremely embarrassing for Keir Starmer, this exemplifies how the ban & arrests for holding paper signs have made the UK an anti-free-speech outlier on the global stage
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Extremely embarrassing for Keir Starmer, this exemplifies how the ban & arrests for holding paper signs have made the UK an anti-free-speech outlier on the global stage
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
January 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Elbit Systems is not a “defence firm”, it’s a deadly weapons manufacturer
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
DEFENDING TRIAL BY JURY
A brilliant and informative piece from @sarachitseko.bsky.social @openrightsgroup.org
“Jury trials are not just a procedural detail, they are the cornerstone of democracy. They… provide a crucial check on state power.”
www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/defendi...
A brilliant and informative piece from @sarachitseko.bsky.social @openrightsgroup.org
“Jury trials are not just a procedural detail, they are the cornerstone of democracy. They… provide a crucial check on state power.”
www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/defendi...
Defending Trial by Jury
Justice Secretary, David Lammy, has announced plans to drastically reduce the use of jury trials in England and Wales.
www.openrightsgroup.org
December 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM
DEFENDING TRIAL BY JURY
A brilliant and informative piece from @sarachitseko.bsky.social @openrightsgroup.org
“Jury trials are not just a procedural detail, they are the cornerstone of democracy. They… provide a crucial check on state power.”
www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/defendi...
A brilliant and informative piece from @sarachitseko.bsky.social @openrightsgroup.org
“Jury trials are not just a procedural detail, they are the cornerstone of democracy. They… provide a crucial check on state power.”
www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/defendi...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Crucial thread on the latest blatant falsehoods in the Telegraph, and how they reflect a much wider false narrative.
This Telegraph article is a distillation of the horseshit propping up the idea of a 'rural v urban culture war'.
'BBC ACCUSED OF METROPOLITAN BIAS TOWARD RURAL BRITAIN' it claims, citing a poll commissioned by the Regional Moorland Association (i.e. gamekeepers)
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
'BBC ACCUSED OF METROPOLITAN BIAS TOWARD RURAL BRITAIN' it claims, citing a poll commissioned by the Regional Moorland Association (i.e. gamekeepers)
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
December 12, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Crucial thread on the latest blatant falsehoods in the Telegraph, and how they reflect a much wider false narrative.
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
GND Calderdale in Halifax town centre today, celebrating the Christmas season with gifts, climate-focused letters to Santa, and singing 'disrupted carols'...
December 13, 2025 at 12:06 PM
GND Calderdale in Halifax town centre today, celebrating the Christmas season with gifts, climate-focused letters to Santa, and singing 'disrupted carols'...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
“Lawyers for eight remand prisoners who are on hunger strike while waiting to go on trial for alleged offences relating to Palestine Action are calling for an urgent meeting with ministers”
These political prisoners have been held on remand for over a year.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
These political prisoners have been held on remand for over a year.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Palestine Action hunger strikers call for urgent meeting with ministers
Lawyers for eight remand prisoners waiting to go on trial say they could die in prison as part of their protest.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:05 PM
“Lawyers for eight remand prisoners who are on hunger strike while waiting to go on trial for alleged offences relating to Palestine Action are calling for an urgent meeting with ministers”
These political prisoners have been held on remand for over a year.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
These political prisoners have been held on remand for over a year.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
The UK government closed the final day of the judicial review into Palestine Action by presenting secret evidence, hidden from both the group’s lawyers and the public, to justify its ban on the direct-action organisation.
www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-gove...
www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-gove...
UK government lawyers use 'secret evidence' to justify ban on Palestine Action
Judges hear secret evidence as lawyers and public for Palestine-Action co-founder told to leave court during closed session
www.middleeasteye.net
December 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM
The UK government closed the final day of the judicial review into Palestine Action by presenting secret evidence, hidden from both the group’s lawyers and the public, to justify its ban on the direct-action organisation.
www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-gove...
www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-gove...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
There is nothing “fair” about the removal of trial by jury.
Juries put the moral intuition of ordinary people into the heart of the criminal justice system. We must defend our juries.
GOV: Deputy Prime Minister to Announce 'Swift and Fair Justice'
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Juries put the moral intuition of ordinary people into the heart of the criminal justice system. We must defend our juries.
GOV: Deputy Prime Minister to Announce 'Swift and Fair Justice'
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Deputy Prime Minister to Announce 'Swift and Fair Justice'
Bold modernisation of the criminal courts to put victims first and restore public confidence in the system
www.gov.uk
December 4, 2025 at 10:21 AM
There is nothing “fair” about the removal of trial by jury.
Juries put the moral intuition of ordinary people into the heart of the criminal justice system. We must defend our juries.
GOV: Deputy Prime Minister to Announce 'Swift and Fair Justice'
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Juries put the moral intuition of ordinary people into the heart of the criminal justice system. We must defend our juries.
GOV: Deputy Prime Minister to Announce 'Swift and Fair Justice'
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Dozens of protesters have been arrested under the Terrorism Act at a series of pro-Palestine demonstrations held across England.
We suppose 164 is “dozens” if you have enough dozens. You can always rely on the BBC to tell the full story…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We suppose 164 is “dozens” if you have enough dozens. You can always rely on the BBC to tell the full story…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Dozens arrested at pro-Palestine protests across England
Demonstrations were co-ordinated in cities including Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Dozens of protesters have been arrested under the Terrorism Act at a series of pro-Palestine demonstrations held across England.
We suppose 164 is “dozens” if you have enough dozens. You can always rely on the BBC to tell the full story…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We suppose 164 is “dozens” if you have enough dozens. You can always rely on the BBC to tell the full story…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Police arrest 25 over ‘support for Palestine Action’ at Birmingham protest
The arrests were made at a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries at Chamberlain Square in the city centre.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
The arrests were made at a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries at Chamberlain Square in the city centre.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
Police arrest 25 over ‘support for Palestine Action’ at Birmingham protest
The arrests were made at a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries at Chamberlain Square in the city centre.
www.independent.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Police arrest 25 over ‘support for Palestine Action’ at Birmingham protest
The arrests were made at a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries at Chamberlain Square in the city centre.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
The arrests were made at a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries at Chamberlain Square in the city centre.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
‘I am a terrorist’
A UK activist group has released a video of protesters who were arrested by police for supporting Palestine Action, as part of a campaign calling on the government to lift the ‘disproportionate’ ban.
www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfe...
A UK activist group has released a video of protesters who were arrested by police for supporting Palestine Action, as part of a campaign calling on the government to lift the ‘disproportionate’ ban.
www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfe...
‘I am a terrorist’, UK activists release video to support Palestine Action
A UK activist group has released a video of pro-Palestinian protesters who were arrested by police.
www.aljazeera.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:53 PM
‘I am a terrorist’
A UK activist group has released a video of protesters who were arrested by police for supporting Palestine Action, as part of a campaign calling on the government to lift the ‘disproportionate’ ban.
www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfe...
A UK activist group has released a video of protesters who were arrested by police for supporting Palestine Action, as part of a campaign calling on the government to lift the ‘disproportionate’ ban.
www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfe...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
More than 100 demonstrators gathered in Edinburgh to protest the proscription of Palestine Action and to oppose Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
No arrests were made, despite 164 arrests made elsewhere across the UK for the same act.
www.thenational.scot/news/2566054...
No arrests were made, despite 164 arrests made elsewhere across the UK for the same act.
www.thenational.scot/news/2566054...
Demonstrators hold protest against Palestine Action ban in Edinburgh
MORE than 100 demonstrators gathered in Edinburgh to protest the proscription of Palestine Action and to oppose Israel’s genocide in Gaza ...
www.thenational.scot
November 29, 2025 at 10:55 PM
More than 100 demonstrators gathered in Edinburgh to protest the proscription of Palestine Action and to oppose Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
No arrests were made, despite 164 arrests made elsewhere across the UK for the same act.
www.thenational.scot/news/2566054...
No arrests were made, despite 164 arrests made elsewhere across the UK for the same act.
www.thenational.scot/news/2566054...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Santa Arrest News
Officers attended an "incident" at Haymarket in the city centre where a Palestine Action protest was being carried out.
Police arrested 10 people for holding placards in support of Palestine Action during the demonstration.
www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/2566053...
Officers attended an "incident" at Haymarket in the city centre where a Palestine Action protest was being carried out.
Police arrested 10 people for holding placards in support of Palestine Action during the demonstration.
www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/2566053...
WATCH: Police drag Santa through city centre in Palestine Action protest
Police officers were videoed carrying a man dressed as Santa through Norwich city centre during a Palestine Action protest.
www.eveningnews24.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Santa Arrest News
Officers attended an "incident" at Haymarket in the city centre where a Palestine Action protest was being carried out.
Police arrested 10 people for holding placards in support of Palestine Action during the demonstration.
www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/2566053...
Officers attended an "incident" at Haymarket in the city centre where a Palestine Action protest was being carried out.
Police arrested 10 people for holding placards in support of Palestine Action during the demonstration.
www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/2566053...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
UN compares UK’s Palestine Action ban with human rights restrictions in Russia
UN special rapporteur on human rights says the ban is ‘an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction’ on fundamental human rights
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
UN special rapporteur on human rights says the ban is ‘an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction’ on fundamental human rights
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
UN compares UK’s Palestine Action ban with human rights restrictions in Russia
UN special rapporteur on human rights says the ban is ‘an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction’ on fundamental human rights
www.independent.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 8:56 PM
UN compares UK’s Palestine Action ban with human rights restrictions in Russia
UN special rapporteur on human rights says the ban is ‘an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction’ on fundamental human rights
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
UN special rapporteur on human rights says the ban is ‘an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction’ on fundamental human rights
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
November 27, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
This friendly woman was arrested alongside her partner for the THIRD TIME under the Terrorism Act for simply holding a cardboard sign.
She confidently explains that “the Royal Courts of Justice will sort that out next week” as she is taken away in her motorised wheelchair.
1/2
She confidently explains that “the Royal Courts of Justice will sort that out next week” as she is taken away in her motorised wheelchair.
1/2
November 23, 2025 at 7:47 PM
This friendly woman was arrested alongside her partner for the THIRD TIME under the Terrorism Act for simply holding a cardboard sign.
She confidently explains that “the Royal Courts of Justice will sort that out next week” as she is taken away in her motorised wheelchair.
1/2
She confidently explains that “the Royal Courts of Justice will sort that out next week” as she is taken away in her motorised wheelchair.
1/2
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
"Revised legislation would shift from conduct-based decisions (judging what individual protests and protesters are doing) to allowing police to exercise powers based on an imagined ‘saturation point’ of total disruption... If this sounds bad, that’s because it is" netpol.org/2025/11/19/s...
November 21, 2025 at 7:25 AM
"Revised legislation would shift from conduct-based decisions (judging what individual protests and protesters are doing) to allowing police to exercise powers based on an imagined ‘saturation point’ of total disruption... If this sounds bad, that’s because it is" netpol.org/2025/11/19/s...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Calderdale GND reps marching in Leeds last Saturday, in solidarity with people experiencing ecocide and climate chaos around the world #COP30 ##ClimateJusticeIsSocialJustice
November 21, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Calderdale GND reps marching in Leeds last Saturday, in solidarity with people experiencing ecocide and climate chaos around the world #COP30 ##ClimateJusticeIsSocialJustice
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Tomorrow, November 22nd, we go again.
1pm at The Peace Garden in Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9BQ - Bring your marker and a piece of paper.
The government must Lift The Ban on Palestine Action.
Participation poses significant risk of arrest.
Be informed: www.wedonotcomply.org
1pm at The Peace Garden in Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9BQ - Bring your marker and a piece of paper.
The government must Lift The Ban on Palestine Action.
Participation poses significant risk of arrest.
Be informed: www.wedonotcomply.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Tomorrow, November 22nd, we go again.
1pm at The Peace Garden in Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9BQ - Bring your marker and a piece of paper.
The government must Lift The Ban on Palestine Action.
Participation poses significant risk of arrest.
Be informed: www.wedonotcomply.org
1pm at The Peace Garden in Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9BQ - Bring your marker and a piece of paper.
The government must Lift The Ban on Palestine Action.
Participation poses significant risk of arrest.
Be informed: www.wedonotcomply.org
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Six prisoners for Palestine are nearing their *fourth week* on hunger strike.
They are facing two years on remand without trial. They demand bail, a fair trial, an end to counter-terror powers used on protesters and the deproscription of Palestine Action
They are facing two years on remand without trial. They demand bail, a fair trial, an end to counter-terror powers used on protesters and the deproscription of Palestine Action
November 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Six prisoners for Palestine are nearing their *fourth week* on hunger strike.
They are facing two years on remand without trial. They demand bail, a fair trial, an end to counter-terror powers used on protesters and the deproscription of Palestine Action
They are facing two years on remand without trial. They demand bail, a fair trial, an end to counter-terror powers used on protesters and the deproscription of Palestine Action
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Police say 47 arrested after latest demo in support of banned Palestine Action
Defend Our Juries said demonstrators sat outside the Ministry of Justice building in Westminster on Thursday afternoon.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
Defend Our Juries said demonstrators sat outside the Ministry of Justice building in Westminster on Thursday afternoon.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
Police say 47 arrested after latest demo in support of banned Palestine Action
Defend Our Juries said demonstrators sat outside the Ministry of Justice building in Westminster on Thursday afternoon.
www.independent.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Police say 47 arrested after latest demo in support of banned Palestine Action
Defend Our Juries said demonstrators sat outside the Ministry of Justice building in Westminster on Thursday afternoon.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
Defend Our Juries said demonstrators sat outside the Ministry of Justice building in Westminster on Thursday afternoon.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Lift The Ban: wedonotcomply.org
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
Environmental protesters are facing extraordinary licence conditions more commonly associated in terrorism cases on release from prison, in another serious abuse of rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Jailed UK climate protesters facing conditions reserved for extremists on release
Exclusive: Just Stop Oil activist was banned from attending gatherings, including meeting a friend in a cafe, without permission
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Environmental protesters are facing extraordinary licence conditions more commonly associated in terrorism cases on release from prison, in another serious abuse of rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
This is an excellent explanation of why the govt's headlong rush for airport expansions is wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. Thank you @flightfreeuk.bsky.social
substack.com/@flightfreeu...
substack.com/@flightfreeu...
Should the Government be supporting Airport Expansion?
We comment on the Government response to our petition to Stop Airport Expansion
substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
This is an excellent explanation of why the govt's headlong rush for airport expansions is wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. Thank you @flightfreeuk.bsky.social
substack.com/@flightfreeu...
substack.com/@flightfreeu...
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
"A spokesperson for the Network for Police Monitoring said: “The protest in Truro shows that it is down to individual police forces to choose where they direct their resources, and the Met is clearly showing that their priority is arresting peaceful pensioners sitting with placards" (1/3)
A ‘dangerous step towards authoritarianism’
CAMPAIGNERS have condemned the government’s mounting authoritarianism after it was announced yesterday that police will be granted new powers to crack down on protests.The measures follow a mass demon...
morningstaronline.co.uk
October 6, 2025 at 7:40 AM
"A spokesperson for the Network for Police Monitoring said: “The protest in Truro shows that it is down to individual police forces to choose where they direct their resources, and the Met is clearly showing that their priority is arresting peaceful pensioners sitting with placards" (1/3)
Reposted by Ben Plumpton
You should be angry at private companies making massive profits from our taxes to house the most desperate people in appalling conditions... And NOT the people forced to live in them.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper
Asylum seekers and charities tell BBC of
www.bbc.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 7:11 AM
You should be angry at private companies making massive profits from our taxes to house the most desperate people in appalling conditions... And NOT the people forced to live in them.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...