“What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on protecting the right to protest.”
Asked by
Steve Witherden
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Justice
Answer from Hansard
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)
My hon. Friend will no doubt be aware that this important matter falls under the remit of the Home Secretary, with whom I am in full agreement that the right to peaceful protest is a vital part of our democracy. However, peaceful protest does not extend to unlawful behaviour. Should a protest contravene the law, the police have the powers to respond, and such behaviour will be met with appropriate consequences.