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In contemporary Britain, public demonstration is no longer a fundamental right. Rather, it has become a privilege that authorities allow or deny at their discretion. This represents the implication of proposed measures that the current government is putting forward, which would dictate when and where demonstrations can take place, with possible prison sentences for those who defy these restrictions.

Gradual Weakening of Civil Liberties

Previous administrations had already undermined this essential right: the previous Tory administration had granted law enforcement sweeping new authorities, which global rights bodies had censured as "significant and unjustified restrictions" on civil liberties. Taken together, these incremental attacks on freedom have effectively eliminated the hard-won right to freedom of protest.

Using Atrocity to Justify Suppression

The most recent restrictive measures are being defended by citing last week's terrible anti-Jewish assault on a British Islamic center. We can all agree on widespread consensus that the security of British Jews must be safeguarded. However, using this horrific incident as a pretext to stifle dissent is not only unrelated to that responsibility but distorts it.

"When you can't draw the line at mass killing, you likely can't establish limits at democracy," commented a prominent American author, a statement that applies equally for the current government.

Historical Perspective of Demonstration

Reflect on Britain's rich history of public demonstration and direct action against racism and fascism, from the historic 1936 Cable Street confrontation to after World War II Jewish anti-fascist movements and the 1970s mobilizations against the National Front. Many of these early protesters were labeled as radicals in their time, even while they were advocating the freedoms of marginalized groups.

Present Situation

In today's complicated landscape, here's what's actually happening: Israel – a foreign state – is committing acts that international bodies have described as systematic destruction. Its military actions have prompted the International Criminal Court to release legal indictments against Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister.

Western public opinion has shifted dramatically against Israel's military campaign. In Britain, a large percentage of citizens think Israel has probably committed war crimes. Most people would endorse a total prohibition on weapons exports to the nation, and approve the arrest of Netanyahu.

Suppressing Opposition

Having largely failed the public debate, Israel's supporters are now seizing on a despicable anti-Jewish attack to attempt to silence a popular campaign against a ethical disaster. The British government seems included in this effort. Ministers have not enacted comprehensive sanctions on Israel and have permitted arms exports to continue.

People who are demonstrating against the destruction of Gaza have been characterized as dangerous radicals. Yet there's a important factor why there hasn't been a broader suppression on these demonstrators until now: very limited protesters have made genuinely hateful statements about Jewish people, giving law enforcement minimal reason to take action.

Dangerous Conflation

Equating Jewish heritage with the actions of the government of Israel is not only manipulative but also dangerous. The standard interpretation of anti-Jewish prejudice, adopted by the British government and many organizations, has been appropriately questioned for potentially restricting legitimate criticism of Israel. However, there should be universal agreement about one of its central illustrations: that "holding Jewish people collectively responsible for decisions of the state of Israel" constitutes antisemitism.

Escalating Restrictions

This is why we've reached a point where law enforcement can suggest that demonstrations opposing Israel's actions should be called off because they might "inadvertently or deliberately" support antisemitism. Similarly, political figures have stated that acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood has made organizations "complicit" in alleged abuse faced by British Jews.

Double Standards

On the same day as the religious center assault, the Israeli military killed dozens of Palestinians in Gaza – adding to the terrible count from 24 months of ongoing violence that have taken many thousands of lives. British politicians and news organizations have hardly hidden the limited value they attach to Palestinian life. This represents one of the most brazen expressions of racism in our time.

Breaking Boundaries

Our government has already crossed a dangerous boundary by proscribing a specific activist group, a non-violent, anti-genocide activist collective. Thousands of British protesters have been arrested, mostly for holding placards against mass killing and endorsing the proscribed group. Many of those arrested are elderly citizens; among them a former clergyman and the daughter of a World War II genocide survivor.

Global Comparisons

It's easy to see where this path leads. In the United States, political leaders helped demonize pro-Palestinian protests: a former House Speaker implied that some were "linked with" other nations, while the current president characterized such protests as anti-Jewish. In doing so, they helped legitimize the repressive measures on such demonstrations – and on freedom of expression in general.

Future Concerns

If a hard-right government comes to power, it would be granted sweeping powers to suppress dissent. What might a Reform government do with this repressive toolkit? Our ancestors fought, suffered and sacrificed their lives to secure our freedoms. We may eventually regret how casually we allowed them to slip away.