Siobhan Robertson

This year, protesters have found themselves having to keep a close eye on the changing laws concerning their rights. “Bust cards” and guidelines have been distributed by Third Sector organisations, who have also been campaigning against the recent Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which came into effect in April 2022. Now a new challenge faces them with the Public Order Bill.

Over the past three weeks, the issues raised by campaigners about how the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act would affect protesters have become reality for those facing arrest. 

Since the Queen’s death and the accession of King Charles III, protesters have been attending gatherings across the UK. They have stood amongst crowds waiting to hear proclamations of the new King and outside buildings he was due to attend. While the protesters may not have attended for the same reasons, there is a general consensus amongst those raising their voices: it is time to talk about the monarchy’s future.

Police Response

Confusion has spread as people question why protestors attending these gatherings have been arrested. The new Police Act also seems to have confused police officers, with inconsistent approaches being taken across the UK. This led to guidance being issued by the National Police Chief’s Council.

A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “The ability to protest is a fundamental part of democracy and it is a long-established right in this country.”

“We know some people want to protest on a range of issues during this time of national mourning, and officers must balance these rights against those who wish to grieve and reflect. We have issued guidance to forces on how they should do this, in order to ensure a national consistency of approach.”

Public Response

“With so many changes to the rules surrounding protest and the recent arrests after the Queen’s passing, many people feel their voices are being silenced”

There has been a divided response from the public. Some believe it is disrespectful to protest as people mourn around them. Others argue that the proclamation of the new King, moments after his mother’s death, is the problem, as it has left no space for discussion or debate over what is essentially a political and constitutional act. 

 

This is an emotional time for people on both sides of the debate and in times of turmoil, humans turn to the familiar. Following centuries-old traditions, such as processions and funerals, is common practice. However, so is gathering together and protesting.

The plan for the Queen’s passing, Operation Unicorn and London Bridge, was developed out of the public eye, and protesters have a right to raise their concerns and have their say.

Public Order Bill

“The proposals strike at the very heart of protest and could potentially criminalise anyone who takes to the streets for a cause they believe in.” – Liberty Petition

Campaigners have now turned their attention toward the Public Order Bill, which has been described as a further attack on protesters’ rights when attending demonstrations in England and Wales. The Bill is currently at the report stage. This gives the whole House time to discuss and amend the Bill, with debates and voting taking place before the Bill’s third reading. The following proposals are included:

  • Protest banning orders: even if a protester hasn’t committed an offence, they could be prohibited from going to certain places, meeting certain people and using the internet. It could also include electronic tagging.
  • A new offence of ‘locking on’, which could stop protesters from attaching themselves to another person or object.
  • A new offence of ‘interfering with key national infrastructure’, which would prevent demonstrations from happening at motorways, railways, airports and media printing premises.
  • Expansion of stop and search would allow police to confiscate any items that could be used to commit the above new offences.

Following a national movement, these proposals were removed from the Policing Bill, now the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. It was opposed by former senior police officers, Parliamentarians—including three former Prime Ministers—700 academics and over 350 charities. Despite all of this, the UK Government has reintroduced the proposals in the Public Order Bill.

36,749 people have signed a petition created by Liberty, calling for the Home Secretary to “drop the proposals in the Public Order Bill” and “put an end to all attempts to suppress the fundamental right to protest.” 

“The proposals strike at the very heart of protest and could potentially criminalise anyone who takes to the streets for a cause they believe in”, says Liberty.

Has your voice been silenced?

With so many changes to the rules surrounding protest and the recent arrests after the Queen’s passing, many people feel their voices are being silenced. However, there are still ways to make yourself heard. Third sector organisations such as Liberty and Amnesty can provide further information, you can share your thoughts on social media, and you can write to your MPs.

Featured image courtesy of  Rodnae Productions via Pexels. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.

Siobhan is a Scottish Freelance Journalist and one of Empoword’s Social Media Managers. Siobhan writes about a range of social justice issues, with a particular focus on domestic abuse, addiction and disability. Through writing, she aims to help people understand each other's experiences, sharing the difficulties they are living through and exploring what can be done to make a difference.

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