Police Granted Extended Powers
Police across England and Wales will now be able to impose new restrictions on repeat protests, following a government move to “close a gap in the law.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the expanded powers during an interview with Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.
Mahmood said the changes are designed to ensure that communities can “go about their daily business without feeling intimidated.”
Triggered by Weekend Arrests
The announcement follows the arrest of nearly 500 people during pro-Palestine demonstrations in central London on Saturday. The protests were organised by supporters of the proscribed group Palestine Action and went ahead despite public calls for restraint after Thursday’s Manchester synagogue terror attack, which killed two Jewish worshippers.
New Powers Explained
Under the new powers, police will be allowed to consider the “cumulative impact” of protests when deciding whether to impose conditions. This means officers can take into account previous demonstrations by the same group or movement.
The conditions could include moving protesters to a different location or restricting the duration of their demonstrations.
Mahmood Cites ‘Gap in the Law’
Speaking on Sky News, Mahmood said her decision followed consultations with police chiefs and community leaders over the weekend.
“It’s been clear to me that there is a gap in the law and an inconsistency of practice,” she said. “I will be taking measures immediately to put that right and will be reviewing our wider protest legislation.”
Legal Amendments to the Public Order Act
The expanded powers will be implemented through amendments to the Public Order Act. Anyone who breaches the new conditions will risk arrest and prosecution.
The Home Office said the changes are intended to help police respond more effectively to repeated and disruptive demonstrations.
Critics Condemn ‘Attack on Protest Rights’
Opposition parties have criticised the move, arguing that it undermines democratic freedoms.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski told Sky News the policy represents a “cynical assault on the right to dissent.”
“The whole point of protest is persistence,” he said. “Do you think the suffragettes protested once and then gave up?”
Lib Dems Voice Concern
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson echoed the criticism, saying the change “will do nothing to tackle antisemitism while undermining the fundamental right to peaceful protest.”
Wilkinson added that the government should focus on community safety rather than “criminalising activism.”
Balancing Rights and Safety
Mahmood defended the new approach, insisting that while the right to protest remains a “fundamental freedom,” it must be balanced against public safety.
“Large, repeated protests can leave sections of our country, particularly religious communities, feeling unsafe and scared to leave their homes,” she said in a statement.
Addressing Jewish Community Fears
Mahmood noted that the Jewish community had expressed “considerable fear” amid rising antisemitic incidents.
“These changes mark an important step in ensuring we protect the right to protest while ensuring all feel safe in this country,” she added.
Tory Support — But With Criticism
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would “of course support” the new measures, but questioned the government’s delay in acting.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Badenoch said the Manchester attack “was foreseeable” and accused Labour of “failing to protect Jewish citizens.”
The Manchester Connection
The synagogue attack in Manchester has intensified concerns about community safety and the tone of political discourse surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Many Jewish community leaders have reported increased intimidation since the escalation of violence in the Middle East.
Lammy Heckled at Vigil
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was heckled at a vigil for the Manchester victims on Friday, as some attendees expressed anger toward the government’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
Mahmood was asked whether this reflected backlash over the policy.
Mahmood Defends Government Stance
She rejected the notion that the two issues are linked.
“It’s important that we don’t elide Thursday’s attack with the situation in the Middle East,” Mahmood said. “The person responsible for that attack is the attacker himself.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police have arrested four additional suspects in connection with the Manchester synagogue attack. Mahmood said the investigation remains “active and ongoing.”
She urged the public to “allow due process to take its course.”
Review of Protest Legislation
The Home Office confirmed that Mahmood’s department will undertake a broader review of protest-related laws later this year.
The review will examine whether current legislation adequately addresses repeated disruptive protests and the strain they place on police resources.
Civil Liberties Debate Rekindled
Civil rights groups have warned that the government’s approach risks stifling legitimate protest. Campaigners from Liberty and Amnesty International said the “cumulative impact” clause could be used to silence long-term movements, such as those advocating for climate action or social justice.
Government Stands Firm
Despite criticism, Mahmood stood by the new measures, saying they reflect “the scale of the challenge” posed by repeated protests.
She emphasised that the government remains committed to both “freedom of expression” and “public order.”
Looking Ahead
The proposed amendments to the Public Order Act are expected to be introduced in Parliament later this month. If approved, the changes could take effect before the end of the year, giving police enhanced powers to manage demonstrations heading into winter.
