PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Demonstrations: Greater London (9 June 2015)

The Home Secretary has no powers to ban a static demonstration. We have a long-standing tradition of freedom of expression and association in this country and the Government is clear that people are free to gather to protest and express their views in public. However, the right to protest does not extend to threats and other criminal behaviour. Like all members of the public, protesters are subject to the law and should individuals cross the boundary into criminal acts including public order offences, hate crime offences including anti-Semitic or violent behaviour, the police will take action.

The Home Secretary has written to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to ask that he takes full account of the available powers in respect of the demonstration planned for Golders Green on 4 July 2015.