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Written question asked by Lord Tebbit (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 July 2019. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 July 2019 on behalf of the Home Office.


Roads: Demonstrations

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the legal provisions governing the balance between (1) the freedom of passage along public highways, and (2) the right to hold public demonstrations on public highways.

Answer

Peaceful protest is a vital part of a democratic society. It is a long-standing tradition in this country that people are free to gather together and to demonstrate their views, provided that they do so within the law.

There is, of course, a balance to be struck. Protestors’ rights need to be balanced with the rights of others to go about their business. Rights to peaceful protest do not extend to unlawful activity and the police have powers to deal with any such acts.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL17277
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Demonstrations Roads
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk