Introduction:
In a landmark ruling, the British court declared that the UK government had acted unlawfully by granting police increased powers to curtail street protests. The changes in legislation, pushed through by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, were deemed to be a violation of civil liberties by civil rights group Liberty.

The Unlawful Legislation

The amendments to existing laws, which campaigners argued gave police “almost unlimited” powers to restrict protests, were challenged by Liberty in court. The changes allowed police to intervene during protests to prevent “serious” wider disruption, but two judges ruled that lawmakers had not intended to lower the threshold for police action against protesters.

Lack of Consultation

One of the key points of contention was the fact that the government only consulted law enforcement agencies before enacting the changes. The court ruling stated that for the procedure to be fair and balanced, the government needed to obtain the views of those who might be adversely affected by the proposed measures.

Government’s Back Door Tactics

Despite facing resistance in parliament for greater police powers, Suella Braverman circumvented the process by using secondary legislation to secure the controversial amendments. This move was criticized by Liberty as an attempt to grant police more authority “through the back door”.

The Victory for Democracy

Following the court ruling, Liberty hailed it as “a victory for democracy” and a clear message that the government cannot act with impunity. The judges emphasized the importance of ensuring that government actions are transparent and do not infringe on the rights of citizens.

The Road Ahead

While the government has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling, the judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding civil liberties and the rule of law. It highlights the need for proper consultation and transparency in the legislative process to prevent the erosion of fundamental rights.

Conclusion

The ruling by the British court against the government’s anti-protest powers reaffirms the importance of safeguarding civil liberties and holding those in power accountable. It sets a precedent for ensuring that legislative changes are made in a transparent and fair manner, respecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and dissent.

Summary
The UK government’s attempt to grant police increased powers to curb street protests is deemed unlawful by a British court, setting a significant legal precedent.