Police forces will receive enhanced authority to prevent repeated protests at the same location and to apprehend individuals who violate the set conditions.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed these measures following the arrest of nearly 500 individuals during a pro-Palestine march in London over the weekend.
While emphasizing the importance of the right to protest as a core freedom in the UK, the Cabinet minister acknowledged that certain demonstrations have left religious communities feeling insecure and anxious.
Ms. Mahmood highlighted the heightened fear within the Jewish community, particularly after recent troubling events, and expressed concerns about protests that may contribute to feelings of unsafety.
Recent events, including a synagogue attack in Manchester, led to strong statements from Ms. Mahmood, calling some pro-Palestine protesters “un-British.”
Subsequently, approximately 500 arrests were made in central London during protests in support of Palestine Action, which the government has designated as a terrorist organization.
In response to the escalating situation, the government is planning to empower police forces to impose restrictions on recurrent protests. These new measures will allow authorities to redirect protests to different locations in cases where prolonged demonstrations lead to repeated disturbances.
Amendments to the Public Order Act 1986 will explicitly authorize the police to consider the cumulative impact of frequent protests on local communities. The implementation of these new powers will be expedited.
Ms. Mahmood emphasized the need to strike a balance between the right to protest and the freedom of individuals to feel secure in their neighborhoods, particularly in light of the concerns raised by various religious communities.
Furthermore, the Home Secretary will assess existing legislation to ensure the adequacy and consistent application of powers, including the potential to ban protests entirely. These evaluations will be part of the ongoing Crime and Policing Bill discussions.
Following the recent terrorist incident in Manchester coinciding with Yom Kippur, the Secretary of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Steve Reed, has urged local authorities to utilize existing resources to safeguard Jewish communities, including minimizing protest activities.
All police forces in England and Wales are collaborating with the Community Security Trust to provide reassurance and additional assistance to the numerous synagogues and Jewish community sites across the country.