Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Right to Protest

Tuesday 17 March 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steve Witherden questioned the government about proposals to restrict the right to protest based on cumulative disruption, expressing concern over the potential impact on lawful protests.
  • Bob Blackman raised the issue of the Home Secretary's inability to address static protests where antisemitic slogans were chanted, urging the Minister to discuss this with the Home Secretary.
  • Kim Johnson criticized the government's clampdown on the right to protest, mentioning the High Court ruling that the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful as a victory for civil liberties.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Witherden Lab Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

Discussions are ongoing regarding protecting the right to protest, with concerns about proposals restricting this right based on 'cumulative disruption'.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on protecting the right to protest? Proposals to restrict the right to protest based on 'cumulative disruption' are causing great concern. It is absurd that a march by an anti-racist group one week could be blocked because an anti-abortion march occurred the week before, and this power could extend across large parts of a city.

Answer from Jake Richards

My hon. Friend will no doubt be aware that the right to peaceful protest is vital, but it does not extend to unlawful behaviour. Peaceful protests must comply with the law; if they contravene it, police powers apply. As my hon. Friend knows, this matter falls under the Home Secretary's remit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Guaranteeing parliamentary time for debate and vote on proposals

How: As My Hon. Friend Knows, This Is A Matter For The Home Secretary.

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Q2 Steve Witherden Lab Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

Concerns exist over proposed restrictions on protests based on 'cumulative disruption'. The questioner argues this would unfairly restrict subsequent protests.

Question

Proposals to restrict the right to protest based on 'cumulative disruption' are causing great concern. It is absurd that a march by an anti-racist group one week could be blocked because an anti-abortion march occurred the week before, and such power could extend across large parts of a city. This significant change demands proper scrutiny. Can my hon. Friend guarantee adequate parliamentary time for debate and vote on this issue?

Answer from Jake Richards

As my hon. Friend knows, this is a matter for the Home Secretary. If seeking parliamentary time for a debate, he should come to business questions on Thursday morning.

Not addressed: Guaranteeing adequate parliamentary time for debate and vote

How: As My Hon. Friend Knows, This Is A Matter For The Home Secretary.

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

The questioner raises concerns about static protests that may incite illegal activity, such as the annual al-Quds demonstration.

Question

Clearly, the Home Secretary has the power to ban marches but no power to deal with static protests. This weekend we had the annual al-Quds hate demonstration at which individuals chanted antisemitic slogans regularly, and police could take no action. Will the Minister discuss with the Home Secretary what can be done to police and ban static demonstrations that will clearly lead to contravention of the law?

Answer from Jake Richards

The hon. Member raises an important point and I will raise it with the Home Office. The incidents of antisemitism over the weekend were wholly disgraceful, and we are doing everything possible to stamp them out.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or policies to deal with static demonstrations inciting illegal activity

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Q4 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Justice & Courts
Context

The Government's measures restricting the right to protest have been criticised, including the proscription of Palestine Action being ruled unlawful by the High Court.

Question

The Government's relentless clampdown on the right to protest has been disgraceful. The High Court ruling that the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful is a victory for civil liberties. Does the Minister agree that our justice system is weaponised against legitimate protests, and this assault on fundamental rights has failed?

Answer from Jake Richards

No, I do not agree. The Home Secretary will appeal the judgment. We are clear that peaceful protest rights should be protected but balanced with law enforcement.

Answered
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Q5 Peter Bedford Con Mid Leicestershire
Immigration Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The questioner raises concerns about fringe groups protesting in support of terrorist ideologies, feeling emboldened by the right to protest.

Question

People should have the right to protest but need responsibilities. Fringe groups feel emboldened to protest supporting terrorism contrary to British values. What steps is the Department taking to ensure these individuals face prosecution for openly supporting fundamentalist Islamist ideology and deportation if they have no right?

Answer from Jake Richards

This is a matter for the Home Secretary. Although there is a right to protest, those individuals should face full legal consequences where they contravene the law.

Not addressed: Specific steps or policies dealing with such protesters

How: This Is A Matter For The Home Secretary.

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