Jewish, 94, and arrested for supporting Palestine Action: Margaret Owen on Ed Miliband and the right to protest

Jewish and 94 years old, Margaret Owen was arrested while supporting Palestine Action at a vigil outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on September 27, 2026. She had been attempting to get arrested for months, holding signs that read "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action," and even placing one in her front window. However, she was unable to get arrested until the protest.

Owen, a friend of Ed Miliband’s late mother, described the arrest as "not what you joined the police force for," noting her captor's cruel demeanor. She expressed concern over the arrest, stating that it signified the descent into a police state. Owen's arrest came after the government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025, making support for or membership in the group a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Since then, over 3,850 people have been arrested for allegedly expressing support for the banned group, with at least 2,250 charges for expressing support.

Labour leader Ed Miliband, who was present at the protest, condemned the actions of the police and emphasized his belief in the right to protest. However, the arrest of elderly protesters has sparked debate over the government's stance on free speech and the proscription of Palestine Action.