Quakers condemn crackdown on right to protest
Quakers have joined 45 other groups in writing to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to warn of the chilling effect of new legislation and policing powers.
Possible new anti-extremism measures, including barring MPs engaging with certain groups, represent an escalation in threats to freedom of expression and should be abandoned, signatories said.
Writing to Rishi Sunak in the wake of his comments on extremism and 'mob rule', signatories including Greenpeace, Liberty and Amnesty International raised concerns over the government's divisive language.
Use of terms such as 'extremism' and 'hate mobs' has sought to demonise overwhelmingly peaceful protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, the letter said.
The government should stop conflating protests with extremism and “refrain from amplifying divisive language which could inflames tensions within and between communities," they said.
'Chaotic patchwork of repressive legislation'
The right to protest in the UK has already become subject to draconian restrictions, signatories said, thanks to “a chaotic patchwork of repressive legislation and policing powers."
New restrictive proposals on the location of protests including Westminster, town halls and outside constituency offices are already covered by existing legislation on violent or other criminal activity, they noted.
The open letter also challenges the Prime Minister over his stated intention to redouble support for the discredited Prevent scheme where Islamophobic stereotypes play a major role in referrals.
The new protocol from Communities Secretary Michael Gove has received widespread condemnation, including from three former Tory home secretaries.
Priti Patel, Sajid Javid and Amber Rudd all warned senior politicians not to use extremism to score political points in the run-up to a general election.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: “As Quakers, we are called by our faith to stand up against injustice. Draconian anti-protest laws limit our ability to speak truth to power from a position of conscience.
“Instead of stirring up division, the government should facilitate the right of everyone to have their voices heard and set a reasoned tone for discussion."