On 8 March 2025, Daniel Day climbed Big Ben (AKA the Elizabeth Tower) with a Palestine flag and documented this to his Instagram account. This brave action was done in solidarity with Palestine and pro-Palestine activists being unjustly held as political prisoners pre-trial under charges of terrorism. His non-violent actions and words were seen and heard throughout the world.
“I’m protesting against police repression and violence against protesters. The police are the problem. Your own conduct is the issue. NO MORE POLICE VIOLENCE AGAINST PEACEFUL PROTESTERS! We’re seeing this country spiral into fascism, arresting peaceful protesters on the pavements. I came here very early to ensure that there were very few people around and I would do no harm to others. I’m doing this for the love of humanity. For Palestine, for all of our political prisoners.”
He is a vegan, and his Instagram bio aligns with our mission of total collective liberation for all beings.
“Freedom to all humans and non humans!”
Dan stayed on Big Ben for 17 hours: one hour for every month of the genocide in Gaza. Even though his protest was peaceful, he was remanded to magistrates court.
The Vegan Bloc attended Dan’s magistrates court hearing on 17 March to let him know he is loved and supported by our community.
Unfortunately, Dan is now facing the same cruel treatment he protested against. He was denied bail and has been remanded to HMP Wormwood Scrubs as he awaits his crown court hearing.
It was reported that because he is classified as “high escape risk”, he was initially not allowed to wear clothes apart from underwear, and they were not meeting his dietary requirements as a vegan (leaving him without food), and were denying him from seeing a nurse or making phone calls. Due to public pressure, these issues have been resolved.
We are planning to host a letter-writing session to tell Dan how proud we are of him and show our support. Date and location TBC.
Vegan Prisoners Support Group, an organisation helping vegans in prison.
