Skip to main content

Peaceful and Violent Protest

Right to Protest in the UK

The Right to Protest is considered a fundamental democratic freedom. UK law allows individuals and groups to publically demonstrate. However, for marches:

  • Police must be told at least 6 days in advance
  • Police can request alternative routes
  • Police can request a court order to stop the march if:
    • The march may intimidate people
    • The police predicts violence
  • There is no legal right to violent protest, and it is usually illegal

Examples

Peaceful protest

  • Black Lives Matter protests
  • Work strikes

Violent protest

  • Southport riots
  • January 6th USA Capitol Raid