William Plastow, a Manchester-based writer and one of the 'Filton 18' protestors, has been held in prison for over 12 months without trial for taking part in a peaceful protest at Elbit Systems in August 2024. The government want him to remain on remand for 21 months before his trial in April of 2026, despite his deteriorating health. 

William is not a criminal — he is a citizen, a protestor, and a human being. His protest was non-violent and morally justified. He was part of a group challenging the UK’s arms trade and military links to Israel's assault on Gaza. For this, he has been imprisoned in harsh conditions that violate both natural justice and basic human rights.

Since his arrest, William has been:

-Denied bail, even after his family raised £50,000 in support

-Held in isolation, with severely limited access to contact with the outside world

-Prevented from receiving letters, cutting him off from vital support networks

-Denied proper mental health care, despite clear deterioration in his wellbeing

These are not technical failures, they are forms of punishment, inflicted without conviction.

Meanwhile, the UK government continues to operate near-nightly RAF ‘Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions’ flights over Gaza. These missions gather intelligence that is shared with the Israeli military and used to carry out strikes that have killed civilians, including children, aid workers, and journalists.

This is the reality William was protesting and for telling the truth, he is being silenced.

We believe William is being held as a political prisoner. His case is part of a broader pattern: the use of pre-trial detention, counter-terrorism laws, and extreme prison conditions to criminalise dissent and suppress non-violent protest.

We call on:

-The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, Secretary of State for Justice

-Governor Amy Frost, HMP Wormwood prison

-Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

-My local MP and all elected representatives to take immediate action and:

1. Review and release William Plastow immediately, or set a prompt and transparent trial date

2. Secure William bail without further delay

3. End his isolation and restore full access to legal counsel, family, and medical care

4. Protect the rights of protestors facing state overreach and unjust application of terrorism laws

This is about more than one man, but it starts with one.

William Plastow is a Manchester citizen, a writer, and a conscience-driven protestor. He should not be punished for standing up for human life. We Demand Change. 

Free William Plastow. Free the Filton 18. End political imprisonment in the UK.