Totnes, United Kingdom - July 26, 2025 Eight peaceful sign-holders in Totnes and three in Edinburgh sat in protest on Saturday, July 26, without being arrested under the Terrorism Act, as confusion over the proscription of Palestine Action continues to impact police response across the UK. The demonstrators joined the national “Defend Our Juries” campaign, known as Lift The Ban, opposing the Home Secretary’s decision to label the direct action group Palestine Action a terrorist organisation. Each protester held a sign reading, “I Oppose Genocide. I Support Palestine Action.” Since the July 5 ban, over 200 people have been arrested for holding the same message. In Totnes, dozens more joined with different signs, trades union flags, and hundreds of supporters singing, “Lift the ban, now, for Gaza,” while applauding speeches calling for an end to the ban. Author and journalist George Monbiot held a sign reading, “Palestine Action are protesters not terrorists.” He was not arrested. Monbiot said: “The proscription of Palestine Action is the most illiberal thing any Home Secretary has done for at least 30 years. The result is an Orwellian situation, in which people gently calling for peace are arrested under the Terrorism Act…” 80-year-old retired nurse Mary Light, also protesting, said: “I am horrified to see the utter cruelty unleashed by the Israeli government and army.” Artist and grandmother Ruth Ben-Tovim added: “We are just ordinary people, but we can't be bystanders and ignore what is happening.” A judicial review hearing this week revealed the UK government admitted that Palestine Action, unlike other proscribed groups, does not advocate violence against people.