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In contemporary Britain, public demonstration is no longer a basic freedom. Instead, it has become a conditional permission that authorities allow or withhold at their discretion. This represents the underlying meaning of new regulations that the ruling administration is advancing, which would determine when and where demonstrations can occur, with possible prison sentences for those who defy these limitations.

Erosion of Civil Liberties

Previous governments had already undermined this essential right: the former Conservative government had granted law enforcement extensive additional powers, which international human rights organizations had censured as "serious and unjustified limitations" on democratic freedoms. Collectively, these progressive assaults on liberty have practically eliminated the historically earned right to freedom of protest.

Exploiting Atrocity to Rationalize Crackdown

The latest limitations are being defended by citing last week's terrible anti-Jewish assault on a Manchester mosque. There should be widespread consensus that the security of Jewish communities in Britain must be safeguarded. However, using this atrocity as a justification to stifle opposition is not only disconnected to that duty but perverts it.

"If you cannot draw the line at mass killing, you probably cannot draw the line at democracy," commented a prominent American author, a statement that applies equally for the present administration.

Historical Perspective of Protest

Consider Britain's long tradition of public demonstration and direct action against racial discrimination and fascism, from the historic 1936 Cable Street confrontation to after World War II Jewish groups opposing fascism and the 1970s mobilizations against the far-right organization. Many of these historical demonstrators were labeled as radicals in their time, even while they were fighting for the freedoms of marginalized groups.

Present Situation

In today's complex situation, here's what's truly occurring: The Israeli government – a foreign state – is perpetrating what United Nations investigations have characterized as systematic destruction. Its warfare have led the global justice body to release arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister.

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

Suppressing Opposition

Having essentially lost the argument, Israel's supporters are now seizing on a vile antisemitic crime to try to suppress a popular campaign against a ethical disaster. The British government appears to be involved in this attempt. Ministers have failed to implement extensive restrictions on Israel and have permitted arms exports to continue.

People who are demonstrating against the erasure of Gaza have been characterized as hateful extremists. Yet there's a important factor why there hasn't been a more extensive suppression on these demonstrators until now: extremely few protesters have made truly offensive statements about Jewish people, giving law enforcement minimal reason to intervene.

Dangerous Conflation

Merging Jewish heritage with the actions of the Israeli state is not only cynical but also harmful. The official definition of antisemitism, accepted by the British government and numerous institutions, has been rightly questioned for potentially stifling legitimate criticism of Israel. However, there should be no disagreement about one of its central illustrations: that "making Jewish people collectively responsible for decisions of the state of Israel" constitutes prejudice against Jews.

Escalating Restrictions

This is why we've reached a situation where law enforcement can suggest that demonstrations opposing Israel's policies should be called off because they might "accidentally or intentionally" support anti-Jewish sentiment. Similarly, political figures have declared that acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood has made organizations "implicated" in alleged abuse faced by British Jews.

Inconsistent Treatment

On the same day as the synagogue attack, the Israel's army killed numerous of Palestinian civilians in Gaza – adding to the terrible count from 24 months of daily atrocities that have taken tens of thousands of human lives. British politicians and news organizations have barely concealed the limited value they attach to Palestinian existence. This represents one of the boldest expressions of racism in contemporary society.

Crossing Thresholds

Our government has already crossed a dangerous threshold by banning a specific activist group, a non-violent, human rights-focused activist collective. Thousands of British protesters have been detained, mostly for carrying placards against genocide and supporting the proscribed group. Many of those arrested are pensioners; including a retired priest and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.

Global Comparisons

It's not difficult to see where this trajectory leads. In the United States, political leaders helped demonize demonstrations supporting Palestine: a former House Speaker suggested that some were "connected to" foreign governments, while the sitting leader characterized such protests as antisemitic. In taking these actions, they helped legitimize the authoritarian crackdown on such protests – and on freedom of expression in general.

Future Concerns

If a conservative administration comes to power, it would be granted extensive authority to control opposition. What might a new administration do with this repressive toolkit? Our ancestors fought, suffered and died to secure our liberties. We may eventually regret how casually we allowed them to be eroded.