UK pro-Palestine groups vow to continue protests amid new curbs on right to demonstrate
Pro-Palestine organizations in the UK condemn British government plans to grant police greater powers over repeated demonstrations, calling it a 'draconian assault' on the right to protest.
LONDON: Pro-Palestine organizations in the UK have condemned British government plans to give police greater powers over repeated demonstrations, describing it as a "draconian assault" on the right to protest.
They have vowed to continue mobilizing despite these measures.UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced earlier this month that police will be granted new powers to impose tougher conditions on demonstrations by considering the "cumulative impact" of previous similar events.
This change aims to address the significant disruption caused by repeated large-scale protests, according to Mahmood.Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), criticized the move, stating that it could severely restrict their ability to protest, particularly in response to ongoing global crises and government complicity.
He highlighted the unique circumstances surrounding recent protests, which have drawn tens of thousands of demonstrators in solidarity with Palestinians amid a "livestreamed genocide".
Israel has denied accusations of genocide in Gaza.Pro-Palestine groups plan to continue their demonstrations, including a mass student walkout and a boycott of Barclays bank, despite potential new restrictions.
These changes to the Public Order Act would not impose a blanket ban on protests but may include restrictions and conditions, according to Mahmood.
The exact timeline for implementing these changes has not been determined.Critics argue that the reasoning behind the measures does not make sense, as demonstrations are meant to be effective and impactful.
Protesting groups, such as Stop the War Coalition, fear that these new rules will further restrict their right to protest in London.
They express concern over the potential for increased difficulties in organizing protests under the proposed changes.The Home Office has been approached for comment but has not provided a response at this time.
They have vowed to continue mobilizing despite these measures.UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced earlier this month that police will be granted new powers to impose tougher conditions on demonstrations by considering the "cumulative impact" of previous similar events.
This change aims to address the significant disruption caused by repeated large-scale protests, according to Mahmood.Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), criticized the move, stating that it could severely restrict their ability to protest, particularly in response to ongoing global crises and government complicity.
He highlighted the unique circumstances surrounding recent protests, which have drawn tens of thousands of demonstrators in solidarity with Palestinians amid a "livestreamed genocide".
Israel has denied accusations of genocide in Gaza.Pro-Palestine groups plan to continue their demonstrations, including a mass student walkout and a boycott of Barclays bank, despite potential new restrictions.
These changes to the Public Order Act would not impose a blanket ban on protests but may include restrictions and conditions, according to Mahmood.
The exact timeline for implementing these changes has not been determined.Critics argue that the reasoning behind the measures does not make sense, as demonstrations are meant to be effective and impactful.
Protesting groups, such as Stop the War Coalition, fear that these new rules will further restrict their right to protest in London.
They express concern over the potential for increased difficulties in organizing protests under the proposed changes.The Home Office has been approached for comment but has not provided a response at this time.
