Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Rights to Protest — [James Gray in the Chair]

26 April 2021 · 5 other contributors · 8,368 words

Opened by Matt Vickers Con Stockton West

Responding minister: Kit Malthouse

Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementDemocracy & Elections

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Matt Vickers raised concerns about rights to protest — [james gray in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental democratic principle.
  • Protests in London in 2019 and 2020 caused disruptions and cost 37 million in policing.
  • Assaults on police officers and media personnel during protests raised concerns.

Key requests to Government

The Government should give frontline police officers the power to ensure that legitimate protests are not hijacked by violent minorities and disruptive tactics, while protecting the rights of citizens to go about their daily lives unaffected by protests.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Matt Vickers Con Stockton West

The right to peaceful assembly and protest are fundamental principles of any democracy, but protesters must not interfere with the rights of others or place additional pressures on emergency service workers. During Extinction Rebellion protests in April and October 2019, areas of London were brought to a standstill, costing £37 million in policing expenses. Over the summer of 2020, 172 Metropolitan Police officers were assaulted by protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest. These incidents highlight the need for stronger police powers to manage protests safely.

Other contributors (5)
  • Caroline Lucas Green Brighton, Pavilion

    The MP expressed concern about the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, arguing it is dangerous, undemocratic, and disproportionate. She mentioned that nearly 2,500 Brighton, Pavilion residents signed a petition opposing any restrictions on peaceful protest rights. Caroline Lucas highlighted instances of overzealous policing during the pandemic, referencing the misapplication of the Coronavirus Act by the police 232 times since last year.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    McCarthy criticised the framing of the debate by other MPs and highlighted the significant number of petition signatories from Bristol constituencies. She emphasised Bristol's history of radical activism and expressed concern over clauses in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would give police discretion on what constitutes a nuisance or legitimate protest. McCarthy acknowledged recent violent protests but encouraged peaceful demonstrations to educate people about parliamentary processes.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    Johnson expressed concern over Liverpool's long history of peaceful protests being threatened by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. The bill provides severe penalties for public nuisance or annoyance, potentially criminalising protest movements that advocate for social justice. He highlighted that the petition against it has gathered nearly 250,000 signatures, indicating widespread opposition.

  • Sarah Jones Lab Croydon West

    She criticised remarks made about the right to protest, highlighted the contributions of Suffragettes and women MPs, and discussed concerns over police powers in the Bill. She mentioned a petition with 250,000 signatures expressing concern that increased police powers would limit protests and could result in criminal charges for protesters.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    The speaker dissociated from previous derogatory comments and criticised the Government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill for its impact on civil liberties. The petition against it has received over 250,000 signatures. Wera Hobhouse warned that the bill undermines the right to protest, which is essential for a functioning democracy and has historically driven positive change.

Government Response

Kit Malthouse

Mr Kit Malthouse affirmed the Government's commitment to peaceful protest rights under human rights legislation and addressed concerns over police resources strained by disruptive protests. He cited a cost of £37 million during Extinction Rebellion protests in London, impacting commuters, small businesses, and emergency services. He also highlighted assaults on officers and media personnel during 'Kill the Bill' protests. The minister stated that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill aims to strike a balance between protest rights and the rights of others to go about their business unhindered. He dismissed claims that the measures are draconian or dismantle civil liberties, asserting they improve police effectiveness without eroding protest rights.

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