Member

The Quakers, who have signed the statement, have first-hand experience of the repression caused by other recent anti-protest legislation. In March 2025, the Metropolitan Police raided Westminster Quaker Meeting House and arrested six people who were planning non-violent protests. Many Quakers, and indeed people of many faiths, have been arrested for non-violent protests on issues such as climate change and Palestine. They point out that their ability to protest goes hand in glove with their ability to live in accordance with their own religious values of peace. I commend, therefore, consideration of these amendments as providing greater clarity and precision on the parameters for policing protests and assemblies in these circumstances.