This isn’t about public order. It’s about fear.
Legal Context & Changes
The Public Order Act 2023 introduced new offences targeting disruptive protest actions and gave police enhanced powers to restrict protests based on “cumulative impact.”
The government is now seeking to expand those powers further — allowing police to relocate or limit demonstrations and control attendance without requiring immediate disruption. The Guardian 🔗
After the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation (July 2025), simply supporting or being associated with them is now potentially a criminal offence.
In London alone, 492 arrests were made during a vigil for Palestine, primarily under offences related to supporting a proscribed organisation. The Guardian 🔗
Real‑World Examples
Protests outside Parliament Square, even silent vigils, have led to arrests, charges, and criminal records for participants. The Guardian 🔗
Organisations like Defend Our Juries have seen supporters arrested for participating in pro‑Palestine demonstrations.
Civil liberties groups warn that the government’s justification — citing safety and “cumulative” disruption — dangerously lowers thresholds for curtailing protest rights. The Guardian 🔗
Implications for Democracy
Chilling effect
If people fear arrest or prosecution, fewer will speak, organise, or protest — even when confronting genocide.Expanding definition of “terror support”
As political speech is equated with criminal support for Palestine Action, creative dissent, art, and solidarity run new risks.Legislation without debate
These changes often pass quickly, with limited debate or oversight, and expand powers without clear accountability.The role of tax resistance
As protest spaces shrink, lawful resistance becomes more critical. Tax-based refusal is one channel people still control.
Call to Action
Press your MP to oppose measures expanding powers to target peaceful protest.
Support legal defence funds for arrested protesters.
Document and publicise arrests or abuses.
Keep protesting — even if authorities would prefer silence.
Use trust-based tax resistance to refuse funding the same institutions that criminalise our rights.
