Stop the Criminalisation of Protest

The Government is quietly pushing through a change to the law that would dramatically restrict the public’s right to protest.

A dangerous new law is about to pass through Parliament — and it could make it far easier to restrict protests and target campaign groups.

The Crime and Policing Bill, heading for its final reading in the House of Lords, would expand police powers and risks undermining the right to peaceful protest.

Even the Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned this could have a “chilling effect” on people speaking out.

Why this matters

The right to protest is how change happens.

This Bill could:

Make it easier to shut down protests
Use vague rules like “disruption” to target campaigners
Deter people from speaking out at all

Take action

Peers in the House of Lords can still challenge this.

👉 Add your name now and tell them to oppose these measures

First Name

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Subject

Message

Dear Lady Berger,

I am writing to urge you to oppose provisions within the Crime and Policing Bill that risk undermining the fundamental right to peaceful protest in the United Kingdom.
As you will be aware, the right to protest is a cornerstone of a democratic society. It enables citizens to raise concerns, challenge injustice, and hold those in power to account. Any legislation that restricts this right must be both necessary and proportionate.
However, there are serious concerns that elements of this Bill do not meet that standard.
In particular, the Bill would:

Expand police powers to impose conditions on protests based on broadly defined concepts such as “disruption”
 	Allow restrictions to be placed on protests in a way that risks capturing peaceful and non-violent activity
 	Introduce provisions that could disproportionately impact campaign groups and discourage lawful protest
 	Contribute to a growing “chilling effect”, where individuals are deterred from exercising their rights for fear of legal consequences

These concerns have been raised not only by civil society organisations, but also by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which has warned that aspects of the Bill may restrict the right to peaceful protest in ways that are incompatible with human rights protections.
The cumulative effect of recent legislation in this area — including the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act and the Public Order Act — has already significantly expanded state powers over protest. This Bill risks going further still, without sufficient safeguards.
Peaceful protest has played a vital role in securing many of the rights and protections we value today. It is essential that Parliament does not erode this democratic freedom.
I therefore respectfully ask that you:

Oppose the provisions in the Crime and Policing Bill that risk restricting peaceful protest; and
 	Support amendments that would better protect fundamental rights and ensure that any powers are clearly defined, proportionate, and subject to appropriate safeguards.

This is a critical moment to uphold the United Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to civil liberties and democratic participation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

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Stop the Criminalisation of Protest

The Government is quietly pushing through a change to the law that would dramatically restrict the public’s right to protest.

Why this matters

Take action

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