UK Government to Grant Police Greater Powers to Restrict Protests
The UK government is set to give police greater authority to restrict protests, allowing them to consider the "cumulative impact" of repeated demonstrations when imposing limits. The move follows a series of large-scale pro-Palestinian marches and a recent deadly synagogue attack in Manchester. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the initiative is intended to address the "considerable fear" felt by communities, particularly the Jewish community, due to the nature and frequency of recent protests across the country.
Unpacked:
The right to protest in the UK is protected under the European Convention of Human Rights, but recent laws like the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 have expanded police powers to impose conditions on protests, including on location, duration, and noise. Critics argue these changes increasingly restrict protest rights and freedom of expression.
The government’s move follows a series of large-scale pro-Palestinian marches and a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester, with officials citing concerns about community fear, especially within the Jewish community, due to the nature and frequency of recent protests.
Supporters argue that expanded powers help prevent disorder and protect vulnerable communities from intimidation. Opponents, including human rights groups, warn these powers are too broad, risk criminalising peaceful protest, and undermine the UK’s tradition of free expression and assembly.
Yes. In May 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled certain anti-protest regulations unlawful, finding that laws granting police 'almost unlimited powers' were made improperly. Human rights groups have called for these laws to be scrapped and for reviews of arrests made under them.