Holding a peaceful protest in the UK is a right as long as the protest follows the law. But the UK government has brought out new laws that give the police extra powers when dealing with protesters.
Peaceful Protests in the UK
Protesting in the UK is a deeply rooted tradition especially when it comes to protesting against government policy. Think of the suffragettes in the early 20th century fighting for the right for women to vote or the 19 year Greenham Common Women’s protest against nuclear missiles. Over the years governments have always tried to restrict the rights of protesters. But thanks to the European Convention on Human Rights, the rights to a peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and thought are all legal entitlements. UK citizens are now entitled by law to hold peaceful protests without interference from the police or the government.
New Police Powers and Peaceful Protests
Over recent years the government has brought out a wealth of new laws that are intended to combat perceived threats. These new criminal laws include anti terrorism and anti social behaviour laws. The police do now have extra powers such as arresting someone who is photographing a government building who they suspect is acting suspiciously. Although these new laws are in place to increase safety the police are sometimes guilty of abusing their new powers. The government thinking is that peaceful protests are somehow connected to extreme activities, and a heavy police presence is now the norm.
The Right to Peaceful Protest
It is entirely legal for a group of people to assemble and stage a peaceful protest on a public highway. In fact the police do not need notification of the protest. The public highway should not be blocked off completely, and as long as there are no threats of violence there will be no criminal offence. Notification to the police will be required if the demonstration takes place around Parliament. The police can impose conditions such as the maximum number of people and the duration of the protest. But the police can only do this if they believe these conditions are required to prevent public disorder or damage to property.
Peaceful Protests and Police Conditions
If the police do impose conditions that seem overly strict then the protesters do have a right to ask the reasons for the conditions. Protesters can also try to negotiate these conditions with the police. If the police have acted unlawfully they can be sued under the Human Rights Act. Peaceful protest can only take place on public highways; security guards have no right to move protesters unless the property is on their grounds. Assembling on private grounds without the owner’s permission will be seen as trespassing.
Peaceful Protest Points to Remember
It is important to stick to the law when planning a protest and during the demonstration itself. Key points to consider will include:
- Be aware of your rights and research the actual intended protest location
- Contact local councils before protesting in case a permit to protest is required
- Consider using a protest website and press releases during the protest planning stage
- Be aware of people who will try to hijack the protest for their own causes
- Do not harass or cause alarm or distress to members of the public; this is against the law
- Although not required it is always better to make the police aware that a protest is going to occur
- Stick to the conditions imposed by the police if they have made requirements
- Any violence or damage to property will be viewed as a criminal offence
Peaceful Protests that End in Violence
The new powers given to the police do make it easier for the police to find excuses to move on protesters. Ignoring conditions set by the police can lead to the protest being broken up and this has resulted in violent clashes. There is the view by many government officials that demonstrations that end up as riots are now expected during public protests. Even the suffragette movement was viewed by many as the opposite of a peaceful protest. Protests that end in violence or riots can often lose public sympathy for the actual cause.
There is no doubt that peaceful protests provide a forum for the public’s voice to be heard. In some cases these protests can make a difference to government policy decisions. It is in the best interests of the demonstrators to behave in a peaceful manner. Demonstrators who are aware of their rights and stick to the law should be able to hold a peaceful protest without interference from the police.
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