of River Glaven KC has been
appointed to lead an independent review of laws on public order
and hate crime.
Following the terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October, the
Home Secretary announced an independent review of existing public
order and hate crime legislation.
This resulted from concerns around community tensions and the
impact of disruptive and intimidating protests and hate crime on
the cohesion and safety of society.
The government will always protect the right to lawful protest
and free speech, but we will not tolerate individuals or groups
who intimidate others, incite hatred, or create disorder.
The review will therefore look at the powers police have to
manage protests and the current hate crime laws, including
offences for aggravated behaviour and “stirring up”
hatred.
It will examine whether existing legislation is effective and
proportionate, and whether it protects communities from hate and
intimidation.
It will also consider if the law protects free speech and
peaceful protest, while also preventing disorder and keeping
people safe.
Home Secretary said:
The terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October shocked the
nation and showed how hatred and division can fuel violence. It
happened at a time of growing concern about protests and hate
crime in this country.
Our laws must protect the public, while upholding the right to
protest and free speech. That is why we have asked to lead this review. His
experience will ensure it is thorough and
independent.
Lawful protest and free speech are fundamental rights, but we
cannot allow them to be abused to spread hate or cause disorder.
The law must be fit for purpose and consistently applied.
This review follows recent changes to the Crime and Policing
Bill, which will require police to consider the overall impact of
protests in one place before setting conditions on future
demonstrations.
is the former Director of
Public Prosecutions and brings extensive legal expertise and
independence to this work.
He will be supported by Owen Weatherill, a senior policing expert
who brings operational experience from his role as the National
Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Civil Contingencies and National
Mobilisation.
The terms of reference for the review will be confirmed in the
coming weeks with the review expected to commence imminently and
conclude by February 2026.
