Top UK lawyers warn new anti-protest laws could have chilling effect on anti-genocide action

More than 80 leading lawyers and legal scholars have signed a letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood MP warning of a proposed amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, arguing it poses a serious threat to protest rights in England and Wales. The amendment would require police to factor in the “cumulative impact” of repeated demonstrations when imposing conditions on assemblies and processions.

80 leading legal scholars, solicitors, and barristers have signed this letter to the Home Secretary @ShabanaMahmood & Attorney General criticising the proposed changes to protest law.

If you are a legal scholar or practitioner based in Britain, please consider adding your name https://t.co/VeFSPBhYlU

— Nimer Sultany (@NimerSultany) November 20, 2025

"The fact that the amendment requires, not only permits, the police to consider duration and 'cumulative impact' illustrates that the intended effect of the amendment can only be to direct the police to give more prominence to the idea and thereby impose tighter restrictions on public assemblies and processions," the letter said. "They would do so by reference not only to past protests but even those that in the view of a senior police officer are “intended” by anyone."

The letter added that there is little meaningful legal remedy for protesters subjected to such restrictions, as court challenges are expensive and often resolved long after the events in question. Combined with other measures, including plans to ban face coverings, the letter argues the proposal represents a significant weakening of rights protected under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Although the amendment is drafted broadly, the authors say it will have a particularly chilling effect on protests opposing Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

"In addition to showing solidarity with the Palestinian people, these protests express opposition to British complicity in atrocity crimes," it added. 

They note dthat anti-genocide demonstrations have already faced vilification and heavy policing. 

The signatories call on the government to withdraw the amendment and urge MPs to vote it down.