Liberty: On protest rights

Posted: 3rd November 2023

Liberty will never be afraid to speak uncomfortable truths and challenge intolerance.

On Monday, I went on the BBC’s Newsnight programme to give Liberty’s perspective on the importance of protest rights.

I called out the Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s inflammatory language and provided clarity on our rights to protest in relation to Israel and Palestine.

You can see a clip from the interview by clicking below.

Right now, people are responding to world events – especially events in Israel and Palestine – with anger, hurt and grief. Many thousands of people have taken to the streets to stand up for what they believe in.

Times like this call for senior politicians and those in power to offer clear and responsible leadership, protecting the right to protest.

Instead, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman has responded with divisive and confusing statements. She recently branded pro-Palestine demonstrations ‘hate marches’,1 and has directly encouraged police chiefs to crack down on more and more protest activities.2

She’s creating uncertainty about what the law really says about protest and what our rights are.

This is unacceptable.

Liberty is working hard to counteract this harmful rhetoric.

In just the last few weeks, we’ve produced pages of protest rights information tailored to those protesting in relation to Israel and Palestine. We continue to update our information, as things develop.

We’ve worked closely with organisers, to help as many people as possible understand the law as it relates to protest.

We can only do this vital work, because our members make it possible with their generous contributions.

By becoming a Liberty member from just £1 per month, you can help us to keep offering vital resources and educating people about their rights.

If you support our work, and you feel able, please become a Liberty member today.

Many thanks, for your fantastic support.

Best wishes,

Akiko Hart

Interim Director

References

1.    Suella Braverman calls pro-Palestine demos ‘hate marches’ [The Guardian]

2.    Letter to Chief Constables in England and Wales following the Israel-Hamas conflict [Home Office]