Overview

• Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to amend protest law in response to ongoing pro-Palestine marches following Thursday’s Manchester synagogue attack.
• Police would gain explicit powers to relocate or reschedule repeat protests that leave communities feeling unsafe, with organisers facing £2,500 fines or potential jail if they ignore orders.
• Mahmood said recent events exposed a gap in current legislation and confirmed a broader review of protest powers to assess whether further measures are needed.
• She urged organisers to pause demonstrations as a mark of respect and described pressing ahead as “un-British” and “dishonourable,” while reiterating support for lawful protest.
• Conservatives called the proposals a good idea that should have come sooner, while Liberal Democrats warned they risk undermining the right to protest and fail to address antisemitic hate.