The Scottish Greens have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to review protest and counter terrorism laws following reports that more than 100 people were arrested outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court during a demonstration over the conflict in Gaza.
The party says the arrests raise serious questions about the use of public order and counter terrorism legislation, particularly when compared with recent disorder involving far right demonstrators in Glasgow.
The Scottish Greens claim the contrast highlights concerns over how the law is being applied and are calling on the UK Government to review its approach to peaceful protest.
Scottish Greens justice spokesperson Maggie Chapman MSP said:
“There is something profoundly wrong when people peacefully opposing genocide are immediately surrounded, detained and treated like terrorists, while men performing Nazi salutes during violent far-right disorder can walk away and wait to see whether the police eventually knock on their doors.
“People holding signs and expressing an opinion were arrested en masse.
“Meanwhile, self-declared Nazis were seemingly allowed to perform fascist salutes in public, intimidate people and cause fear and alarm, and then leave the scene.
“The law must be enforced consistently and proportionately.
“It cannot be used as an authoritarian weapon against peaceful campaigners while organised fascist thugs spread hatred and intimidation on our streets.
“Keir Starmer did his part in creating this shameful mess by abusing terrorism legislation to criminalise conscience, solidarity and peaceful dissent.
Maggie added:
“Protest is not terrorism, and opposing genocide is not a crime.
“This will be one of Andy Burnham’s earliest and most important tests as Prime Minister.
“He must decide whether he will defend Starmer’s authoritarian legacy or begin undoing it.
“His government should end the prosecutions of peaceful protesters and undertake an urgent review of how counter-terrorism and public-order laws are being used against political dissent.”
