The UK Court of Appeal has ruled against controversial anti-protest legislation in a major victory for civil liberties, declaring the laws an unlawful restriction on the right to peaceful assembly.
The legal challenge was brought forward by human rights group Liberty, which argued that provisions in the Public Order Act—fast-tracked through Parliament in 2022—gave police excessive powers to suppress peaceful demonstrations, infringing upon the rights guaranteed under the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights.
The Court agreed, stating that measures such as expanded stop-and-search powers and vague “serious disruption” clauses lacked sufficient legal clarity, and were therefore incompatible with fundamental freedoms.
“This judgment is a watershed moment for democracy in the UK,” said Liberty’s legal director, Katy Watts. “Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of a free society, and today’s ruling defends that principle.”
The decision has far-reaching implications, potentially overturning prior convictions under the challenged law and forcing a government review of policing guidelines and future legislation.
The legislation had been heavily criticized by civil society groups, lawyers, and UN human rights officials, particularly following police crackdowns on environmental and pro-Palestinian protests. Several high-profile arrests—many of which involved activists sitting in roads or staging peaceful occupations—may now come under legal scrutiny.
Government officials expressed disappointment with the ruling. A Home Office spokesperson said: “We remain committed to ensuring public order and will consider all legal options, including an appeal to the Supreme Court.”
The ruling comes amid growing tension between the UK government and rights watchdogs, with critics accusing the state of eroding civic freedoms under the guise of national security and public order.
Civil liberties groups have hailed the judgment as a turning point, with renewed calls to repeal other restrictive protest measures and restore trust in law enforcement practices. Protests are already planned to celebrate the victory this weekend, with activists framing it as a resurgence of public voice in British democracy.
