Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Poet Alice Oswald on Protest, Arrest, and Poetry's Role
Alice Oswald is a famous poet who got arrested for protesting with a group called Palestine Action.
She knew she might get in trouble, but she did it because she believes in democracy and giving a voice to those who are often ignored.
She teaches poetry to children in difficult places like Palestine and thinks poetry can help people understand and heal from conflicts.
She also reads and studies old stories and poems to learn about leadership and forgiveness.
She encourages young people to take care of the planet and create new systems for a better future.
Alice Oswald, a celebrated British poet, was arrested for protesting in support of Palestine Action, a group declared a terrorist organization by the UK government in 2025.
She expected her arrest and was prepared to face up to 14 years in prison, viewing her actions as a defense of democracy.
Oswald teaches poetry to children in conflict zones like Palestine, witnessing firsthand the devastation and resilience of young poets.
She draws parallels between ancient epics like The Iliad and current global conflicts, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and peace.
Oswald advocates for the younger generation to engage with environmental and social issues, learning from nature and ancient wisdom to build a sustainable future.
- Who
- Alice Oswald, a renowned British poet and Oxford Professor of Poetry
- What
- Her arrest during a protest in support of Palestine Action and her views on poetry and activism
- When
- The protest and arrest occurred in 2025, with ongoing implications
- Where
- The protest took place in the UK, and she discussed her experiences at the Jaipur Literature Festival
- Why
- She believes in the ethical obligations of poetry and the need to respond to democratic erosion and human rights issues
- Name
- Alice Oswald
- Age
- 59
- Occupation
- Poet and Oxford Professor of Poetry
- Arrest Details
- Arrested for protesting in support of Palestine Action, a group declared a terrorist organization in the UK in 2025
- Protest Duration
- Two years
- Potential Sentence
- Up to 14 years under Section 12
- Teaching Experience
- Taught poetry to children in Palestine during conflict
- Current Reading
- Rana Dasgupta's 'After Nations', Lal Ded's poetry, Pankaj Mishra's 'From the Ruins of Empire'