Public Order Legislation Religious Expression 2026-03-23

2026-03-23

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Robin Swann UUP
South Antrim
Context
The MP is concerned about the application of public order laws in relation to religious beliefs.
What guidance her Department has provided to police forces on the application of public order legislation in relation to the expression of religious beliefs. A core tenet of our system and beliefs is that of civil and religious liberty for all. Does the Minister agree that we all have a role to play in upholding that core British tenet?
This Government are committed to building a strong and integrated society where people can express their religious identity without fear of harassment. Guidance is set out by the College of Policing in its professional practice guidance. The Home Secretary has also commissioned Lord Ken Macdonald to undertake an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, which will consider whether police powers strike the right balance between protecting the public and upholding the right to lawful protest. We look forward to his recommendations soon. I join the hon. Gentleman in condemning the attack on the ambulances of the Hatzola community ambulance service over the weekend. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that our British values of diversity, tolerance and freedom of religious belief are one of our country's greatest strengths, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that we uphold them everywhere we can.
Assessment & feedback
The guidance on public order legislation specifically related to the expression of religious beliefs is not detailed beyond references to existing documents like College of Policing's professional practice guidance and Lord Ken Macdonald's review.
Under Review We All Have A Role To Play
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Robin Swann UUP
South Antrim
Context
An attack on the ambulances of the Hatzola community ambulance service has occurred over the weekend.
May I start by condemning the attack on the ambulances of the Hatzola community ambulance service over the weekend? A core tenet of our system and beliefs is that of civil and religious liberty for all. Does the Minister agree that we all have a role to play in upholding that core British tenet?
I join the hon. Gentleman in condemning the attack. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that our British values of diversity, tolerance and freedom of religious belief are one of our country's greatest strengths, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that we uphold them everywhere we can.
Assessment & feedback
The specific actions or commitments regarding the attack on Hatzola ambulances were not addressed beyond condemning the act.
We All Have A Role To Play
Response accuracy