Liberty: the Labour Government has resurrected a Conservative anti-protest plan that will strip fundamental rights away from countless people
Posted: 10th March 2025
Keir Starmer promised change. But today, the Labour Government has resurrected a Conservative anti-protest plan that will strip fundamental rights away from countless people. Labour’s Crime & Policing Bill is threatening to ban facial coverings at protests.
For years, UK governments have clamped down on the ways we can speak up on important issues. The police now have almost unlimited powers to crack down on protests and arrest demonstrators, and this latest Bill is another blow to our right to protest safely.
Everyone must be able to speak out on important issues, and face coverings enable us all to do this safely, without fear of negative consequences for ourselves and our loved ones.
We should all be able to make our own decisions about how we protect ourselves and our privacy when protesting.
Some of us wear face masks to protect ourselves, other demonstrators, or loved ones from infection. Some of us cover our faces for religious reasons. Some of us who speak out against the actions of other States might wear face masks to protect ourselves and our loved ones living in those countries from repercussions. Some of us cover up to protect our privacy. Whatever your reasoning, we should all be allowed to choose how we protect ourselves freely when standing up for our rights.
Sign our pledge to stop the ban of face coverings at protests.
From votes for women to Pride, the UK has a long and rich history of protests that have driven positive change in society.
Liberty supporters have been holding governments to account since 1934. When we see injustice, we will always jump into action to ensure that rights are protected for all.
We must oppose anti-protest laws that silence us, protect the powerful and prevent meaningful change.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Ruth Ehrlich, Head of Policy & Campaigns