“What guidance her Department has provided to police forces on the application of public order legislation in relation to the expression of religious beliefs.”
Asked by
Robin Swann
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for the Home Department
Answer from Hansard
The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)
This Government are committed to building a strong and integrated society where people can express their religious identity without fear of harassment. Guidance is set out by the College of Policing in its professional practice guidance. The Home Secretary has also commissioned Lord Ken Macdonald to undertake an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, which will consider whether police powers strike the right balance between protecting the public and upholding the right to lawful protest. We look forward to his recommendations soon.