86% of the British public believes that everyone has the right to voice their opinion and raise awareness on issues they care about.

Posted: 13th September 2024

The British public overwhelmingly supports the right to protest. Contrary to the anti-protest rhetoric from the previous Government, research published today by cross-party thinktank Demos, supported by Liberty, reveals that 86% of the British public believes that everyone has the right to voice their opinion and raise awareness on issues they care about.

Recent laws brought in as knee-jerk reactions from the previous Government have reduced everyone’s right to protest. In the context of record low public trust in the UK’s political system, the recent anti-protest laws result in a dangerous threat to our democracy.  

We are now calling on Keir Starmer to scrap the last Government’s authoritarian, anti-protest measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023. If you agree, sign our petition and show Keir Starmer that we refuse to let our protest rights be eroded.

History shows that when we come together and make our voices heard, we can change things for the better. From votes for women to Pride, the UK has a rich history of protests that have driven positive change in society. We should all be able to get together and make our collective voice heard on issues that matter to us, calling on the people in power to make the changes we want to see.  

Protest laws need to be urgently reviewed, and the worst parts of the legislation repealed. Our ability to protest must be strengthened under this new Government and safeguarded for generations to come.

Best Wishes,

Sam Grant

Advocacy Director

P.S. You can read further details on the Demos report, supported by Liberty here.