UK Faith Leaders Warn Crime and Policing Bill Will Crush the Right to Protest

UK Faith Leaders Unite Against Crime and Policing Bill That Could Silence Christians From Protesting

Nineteen faith leaders across the United Kingdom have signed an open letter opposing the "cumulative disruption" clause in the Crime and Policing Bill, warning it would fundamentally undermine the right to peaceful protest.

The signatories include Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England, Reverend Lynn Green of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and representatives from Methodist, United Reformed, and other Christian denominations, as well as Jewish and Muslim communities.

The letter, coordinated by Quakers in Britain, argues the clause is dangerously vague.

It is vague and broad, meaning that it could affect a huge range of protests. It could mean that we are stopped from demonstrating because another protest previously took place in the same area, even if it was on a completely different issue.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the proposal, stating that while the right to protest is a fundamental freedom, it must be balanced with the rights of communities to live without fear. She cited the impact of large repeated protests on the Jewish community as a key concern.

The bill, which runs to more than 550 pages, was described by Home Office Minister Sarah Jones as "the largest criminal justice bill enacted in a generation." The government insists the legislation does not undermine protest rights.

On April 14, MPs voted to approve the new restrictions despite a Labour rebellion led by Andy McDonald, who called the measures "a serious erosion of civil liberties." Thirty one members across different parties sought separate votes on protest related amendments, but the government forced a single vote covering the full legislation.

The proposals were introduced in October, with authorities citing an incident where 500 people were arrested in connection with the now banned Palestine Action group. A mass lobby of Parliament took place on March 17, organised by Amnesty International UK, Greenpeace, Liberty, Quakers in Britain, and multiple trade unions.

The bill will now return to the House of Lords for consideration of Commons amendments before it can receive royal assent.

Church Leaders Sound the Alarm as UK Government Pushes Through Sweeping Protest Restrictions

The bill contains two main clauses that critics say threaten protest rights. The first, the "cumulative disruption" clause, requires police to consider the overall impact of demonstrations on an area, including previous unrelated protests at the same location. The second gives police authority to impose conditions preventing gatherings near places of worship, though the term "near" remains undefined.

Over 45 rights organisations, trade unions, arts groups, and professional bodies have joined the campaign against the bill. More than 40,000 petition signatures were delivered to the office of Prime Minister Keir Starmer on April 13.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let us be absolutely clear about what is happening here. The British government is constructing the legal framework to silence the Church. Today it is "cumulative disruption." Tomorrow it will be a pastor arrested for holding a prayer vigil outside an abortion clinic, or a congregation told they cannot march on Good Friday because someone else protested on that street last month.

Nineteen faith leaders saw this for what it is and had the courage to say so. When the state decides which protests are acceptable and which are not, it is no longer protecting public order. It is controlling thought. Christians in Britain have marched, prayed, and spoken truth to power for centuries. No bill, however many pages it runs to, will change that. The question for every believer in the UK is simple: will you let your government decide when you are allowed to stand for your faith?

Take Action

• Contact your MP directly through WriteToThem.com and urge them to oppose the cumulative disruption clause in the Crime and Policing Bill
• Sign the petition organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and civil liberty groups at Liberty to defend the right to peaceful protest
• Support Churches Together in England's advocacy work by visiting cte.org.uk and sharing their statement with your congregation
• Pray for wisdom for UK lawmakers and for the protection of religious liberty across Britain. Organise a prayer vigil at your local church
• Support Christian organisations defending persecuted believers worldwide at www.TheShepherdsShield.org and Open Doors UK