Lib Dems Blast Planned New Anti-Protest Laws: Fundamental Right of Democracy is Being Eroded

Responding to the Government’s plans to hand police new powers to target repeated protests, David Chadwick MP, Westminster Spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has warned that the approach risks undermining fundamental democratic rights while failing to tackle genuine threats such as antisemitic hate and violent extremism.

The Liberal Democrats have long argued that the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of British democracy, allowing people from all walks of life to hold those in power to account. The party believes that successive Conservative governments have chipped away at that right through confusing and heavy-handed legislation that burdens police officers with politically motivated laws rather than enabling them to focus on serious crime and public safety.

Under the new proposals, police would gain powers to restrict or disperse individuals who repeatedly attend demonstrations, even if their actions are entirely non-violent. Civil liberties groups have already raised concerns that this could criminalise people simply for exercising their right to protest on issues ranging from climate change to women’s rights.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have expressed particular concern that these measures will waste police time, create confusion over enforcement, and risk damaging public confidence in policing, especially at a time when forces are already stretched and struggling to deal with rising hate crime and antisocial behaviour.

They have also warned that, combined with Labour’s planned introduction of mandatory digital ID cards, wider civil liberties in the UK are increasingly under threat.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said:

“The Conservatives made a total mess of protest laws and left us with the worst of all worlds, wasting police time arresting people for legitimate, peaceful protest while letting others get away with inciting violence. Labour is now repeating that mistake.

“Our democracy is stronger when people feel able to speak out peacefully, challenge injustice, and hold those in power to account. That right must never be treated as an inconvenience for ministers; it is a vital part of what makes Britain free and fair.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will always stand up for those fundamental rights and push back against any government that seeks to weaken our civil liberties.”

Chadwick added that the weakening of protest laws should concern every citizen, regardless of political belief or affiliation:

“Even if these laws are initially aimed at groups you may not agree with, the precedent they set is dangerous.

Once the government gives itself the power to clamp down on protests, it can use that power against anyone. If you believe in democracy, you must also believe in the right to protest for everyone, even those you passionately disagree with.”

ENDS