Oral QuestionMinistry of Justice

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on protecting the right to protest.

Tabled: 11 March 2026Answered: 17 March 2026

Asked by

Steve Witherden

LabourMontgomeryshire and Glyndŵr

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.