In today's Britain, public demonstration has ceased to be a fundamental right. Instead, it has become a privilege that those in power grant or deny at their discretion. This constitutes the implication of proposed measures that the current government is advancing, which would dictate when and where demonstrations can take place, with possible prison sentences for those who disobey these limitations.
Erosion of Civil Liberties
Earlier governments had already weakened this fundamental freedom: the previous Tory administration had given law enforcement extensive additional powers, which international human rights organizations had condemned as "significant and unjustified restrictions" on democratic freedoms. Collectively, these incremental attacks on freedom have practically abolished the hard-won right to public demonstration.
Using Tragedy to Rationalize Crackdown
The latest limitations are being justified by citing last week's terrible antisemitic assault on a Manchester mosque. There should be widespread consensus that the safety of Jewish communities in Britain must be protected. However, employing this horrific incident as a justification to suppress opposition is not only disconnected to that duty but distorts it.
"When you cannot draw the line at genocide, you probably can't establish limits at democratic principles," observed a prominent American author, a statement that applies equally for the current government.
Historical Context of Demonstration
Consider Britain's long tradition of public demonstration and activism against racial discrimination and authoritarianism, from the 1936 Battle of Cable Street 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 extremists in their time, even while they were advocating the rights of minorities.
Present Situation
In today's complicated landscape, here's what's actually occurring: Israel – a sovereign nation – is perpetrating acts that international bodies have described as systematic destruction. Its military actions have led the global justice body to issue arrest warrants against Israel's prime minister and his former defense minister.
Western popular sentiment has shifted dramatically against Israel's military campaign. In Britain, a large percentage of citizens believe Israel has probably committed war crimes. Most people would endorse a complete ban on weapons exports to the nation, and approve the detention of Netanyahu.
Suppressing Opposition
Having essentially lost the public debate, Israel's supporters are now seizing on a despicable antisemitic crime to attempt to silence a mass movement against a ethical disaster. The British government appears to be involved in this attempt. Government officials have not enacted comprehensive sanctions on Israel and have allowed weapon shipments to proceed.
People who are protesting against the erasure of Gaza have been characterized as dangerous radicals. Yet there's a significant reason why there hasn't been a broader crackdown on these demonstrators until now: very limited protesters have made genuinely hateful statements about Jewish people, giving police authorities little justification to intervene.
Problematic Association
Merging Jewish heritage with the policies of the Israeli state is not only cynical but also dangerous. The official definition of anti-Jewish prejudice, accepted by the British government and many organizations, has been appropriately questioned for potentially stifling valid commentary of Israel. However, there should be no disagreement about one of its key examples: that "making Jewish people generally accountable for decisions of the state of Israel" constitutes prejudice against Jews.
Increasing Limitations
This is why we've arrived at a situation where law enforcement can suggest that protests criticizing Israel's actions should be called off because they might "accidentally or deliberately" support antisemitism. Similarly, political figures have stated that recognition of Palestinian statehood has made political parties "complicit" in alleged abuse experienced by Jewish communities.
Double Standards
On the same day as the synagogue attack, the Israel's army killed dozens of Palestinians in Gaza – increasing the terrible count from 24 months of ongoing violence that have taken tens of thousands of human lives. British political leaders and media outlets have hardly hidden the minimal importance they assign to Palestinian existence. This represents one of the most brazen expressions of discrimination in contemporary society.
Crossing Thresholds
Our government has already crossed a dangerous boundary by banning Palestine Action, a non-violent, anti-genocide direct action organization. Multiple thousands of British demonstrators have been arrested, primarily for holding signs opposing genocide and supporting the proscribed group. Many of those arrested are pensioners; among them a retired priest and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.
International Parallels
It's not difficult to see where this trajectory leads. In the United States, government officials helped vilify demonstrations supporting Palestine: a former House Speaker suggested that some were "linked with" foreign governments, while the current president described such protests as antisemitic. In doing so, they helped legitimize the repressive measures on such protests – and on free speech in general.
Looking Ahead
If a conservative administration comes to power, it would be given extensive authority to control opposition. What might a new administration do with this repressive toolkit? Our ancestors fought, suffered and died to establish our liberties. We may eventually regret how casually we permitted them to be eroded.