UK Government to Expand Police Powers to Restrict Protests Following London Arrests
London, UK – The British government announced Sunday it will grant police increased powers to prohibit or restrict demonstrations, following the arrest of nearly 500 people during a pro-Palestinian protest in London on Saturday. The demonstration supported the outlawed group Palestinian Action.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the government will amend the Public Order act of 1986 to allow officers to consider factors like the “cumulative effect” of protests and their impact on local communities when making authorization decisions.
The Home office will also conduct “an internal review” of all protest legislation to ensure existing powers are sufficient. Mahmood emphasized the need to “balance the right to free protest with the need to protect citizens and support the police,” who have reported a lack of resources.
“Mass and repeated protests can cause sectors of our country, in particular religious communities, to feel insecure, intimidated and with fear of abandoning their homes,” Mahmood argued. She specifically noted “considerable fear within the Jewish community,” who have expressed these concerns to her in recent days.
On Saturday, 488 individuals were arrested for participating in a silent sit-in at London’s Trafalgar Square in support of Palestinian action, wich was banned on July 5th following several boycott actions targeting arms supplies to Israel.
While the government has justified the decision on public safety grounds, critics argue the measures infringe upon the right to protest and freedom of expression.
Since July 5th, approximately 1,500 people have been arrested and brought before the courts for alleged association with or support of the group, which is currently challenging it’s proscription.
Protests organized by ‘Defend Our Juries’ have seen participants, including many elderly or disabled individuals, staging silent demonstrations with banners reading: ‘I oppose the genocide. support to Palestine Action.’
Both the government and Scotland Yard had requested organizers suspend planned demonstrations out of respect following an attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, during Yom Kippur, which resulted in the deaths of two parishioners and the attacker, and also injuries to three others.
However, protesters in both London and Manchester proceeded with their demonstrations, maintaining they were separate issues.
The new restrictions will be added to existing police powers, including the prohibition of face coverings and damage to war monuments and memorials.
