The UK’s approach to climate protests is setting a “dangerous precedent” globally and eroding democratic freedoms at home, according to Yasmine Ahmed, UK director of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Ahmed criticized the Labour government for its “dangerous hypocrisy,” as it claims to champion human rights while continuing to restrict protest rights.
In HRW’s annual World Report released Thursday, the NGO highlighted the UK’s escalating crackdown on protests, particularly targeting climate activists, which it says undermines free speech, peaceful assembly, and other democratic rights.
New Laws Criminalizing Protest
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023 have expanded police powers to intervene in protests, HRW reported. These laws lower the threshold for what qualifies as “serious disruption” and impose harsher penalties for protest activities. Ahmed pointed out the troubling impact of these measures, which include preemptive restrictions on individuals suspected of planning protests, stricter noise limits, and increased penalties for non-violent actions.
“Protesters can now face imprisonment for actions that previously warranted fines,” Ahmed said, adding that these laws discourage many from participating in climate activism due to fear of legal consequences.
Record Sentences for Climate Activists
The consequences of these laws have been severe. In 2024, 34 activists were jailed for participating in climate protests, according to Defend Our Juries. This includes five Just Stop Oil supporters who received record sentences of four to five years for conspiracy to cause a public nuisance after discussing a protest targeting the M25 motorway.
These harsh sentences were handed down shortly after the Labour government, led by former human rights lawyer Sir Keir Starmer, came into power. Despite hopes that the new government would reverse the Conservative Party’s restrictions on civil liberties, HRW said Labour has instead doubled down on the previous administration’s approach.
Hypocrisy on the Global Stage
Ahmed accused the UK government of undermining its international credibility by defending restrictive protest laws while advocating for the right to protest globally.
“It’s deeply concerning that the UK—a country that promotes human rights and international law on the world stage—defends laws that erode democratic freedoms at home,” Ahmed said.
HRW also criticized the Labour government for appealing legal decisions that struck down elements of the Public Order Act deemed overly draconian by human rights advocates.
Warnings About Global Influence
Ahmed cautioned that the UK’s actions set a dangerous precedent for other governments, particularly in countries where democratic rights are already fragile. She urged the Labour government to reconsider its stance and align its domestic policies with its international commitments.
“The UK’s willingness to criminalize peaceful protest sends a troubling message to the global community, especially as it positions the environment as a key pillar of its domestic and international agenda,” Ahmed said.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
