Recent concerns have emerged from Human Rights Watch (HRW) over the UK’s approach to protest laws, arguing that the current restrictions undermine democratic principles and human rights obligations. HRW outlined that these measures, perceived as treating peaceful dissent as criminal, are in stark contrast to the UK’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The controversial aspects of these constraints include the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act alongside the Public Order Act, both initially brought in by the Conservative government. The Labour government has yet to reverse these measures. Additionally, there are efforts to expand restrictions further with the proposed Crime and Policing Bill and what HRW describes as an “unprecedented misuse” of terrorism laws. HRW’s senior researcher, Lydia Gall, criticized these approaches, likening them to tactics used in countries where democratic protections are failing. She emphasized the necessity for the UK to uphold protest rights rather than erode them. This sentiment was echoed across several human rights organizations as reported.
The HRW report highlighted vagueness in the legislation that affords police considerable discretion to ban or impose conditions on protests. This, they argue, leads to subjective decisions and arbitrary arrests, potentially damaging public trust and reducing space for political discourse. A civil liberties lawyer, Laura O’Brien, illustrated these concerns with recent incidents involving pro-Palestinian protests, where participants face arrest despite merely carrying placards, highlighting a distinction from direct action or civil disobedience.
Adding to the issue, environmental protestors reportedly faced probation conditions more typically associated with serious offenders. The possibility of severe penalties, like a decade-long imprisonment for protest-related charges, raises further alarm among human rights advocates. The HRW urges the UK government to not only reconsider these legislative measures but also to initiate a public inquiry into protest policing practices to ensure compliance with international norms.
The Crime and Policing Bill’s upcoming debate in the House of Lords in January 2026 provides an opportunity for more scrutiny. Several domestic and international organizations are joining HRW in pressing for revisions to ensure the protection of fundamental democratic rights.