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In today's Britain, public demonstration is no longer a fundamental right. Rather, it has become a privilege that authorities grant or deny at their discretion. This constitutes the implication of proposed measures that the current government is advancing, which would dictate when and where protests can take place, with possible prison sentences for those who defy these restrictions.

Gradual Weakening of Civil Liberties

Earlier administrations had already weakened this essential right: the previous Tory administration had given law enforcement extensive new authorities, which international human rights organizations had condemned as "significant and unjustified restrictions" on civil liberties. Taken together, these incremental attacks on freedom have practically eliminated the historically earned right to public demonstration.

Using Atrocity to Rationalize Crackdown

The most recent limitations are being defended by referring to last week's heinous antisemitic attack on a Manchester mosque. We can all agree on widespread consensus that the security of British Jews must be safeguarded. However, employing this atrocity as a pretext to stifle opposition is not only unrelated to that duty but distorts it.

"If you cannot draw the line at genocide, you probably can't establish limits at democratic principles," observed a well-known American author, whose words that rings true for the current government.

Historical Context of Protest

Reflect on Britain's rich history of public demonstration and direct action against racial discrimination and fascism, from the historic 1936 Cable Street confrontation to after World War II Jewish anti-fascist movements and the 1970s demonstrations against the National Front. Many of these historical demonstrators were branded as radicals in their time, even while they were fighting for the rights of minorities.

Current Reality

In today's complicated landscape, here's what's truly happening: The Israeli government – a sovereign nation – is committing acts that international bodies have characterized as systematic destruction. Its military actions have led the International Criminal Court to release arrest warrants against Israel's prime minister and his former defense minister.

Western public opinion has shifted dramatically against Israel's military campaign. In Britain, a substantial majority of citizens think Israel has likely committed war crimes. Most people would support a total prohibition on arms sales to the state, and approve the arrest of Netanyahu.

Suppressing Opposition

Having largely lost the argument, pro-Israel advocates are now exploiting a vile antisemitic crime to attempt to silence a popular campaign against a ethical disaster. The British government seems included in this attempt. Ministers have not enacted extensive restrictions on Israel and have permitted arms exports to proceed.

People who are protesting against the destruction of Gaza have been characterized as hateful extremists. Yet there's a significant reason why there hasn't been a broader crackdown on these protesters until now: very limited protesters have made genuinely hateful statements about Jewish people, giving police authorities minimal reason to intervene.

Dangerous Conflation

Equating Jewish identity with the actions of the government of Israel is not only manipulative but also dangerous. The official definition of antisemitism, accepted by the British government and many organizations, has been rightly questioned for potentially restricting legitimate criticism of Israel. However, there should be no disagreement about one of its central illustrations: that "making Jewish people generally accountable for decisions of the state of Israel" constitutes prejudice against Jews.

Escalating Restrictions

This is why we've reached a point where law enforcement can suggest that protests opposing Israel's actions should be called off because they might "accidentally or intentionally" support antisemitism. Similarly, political figures have declared that acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood has made organizations "implicated" in alleged abuse experienced by Jewish communities.

Inconsistent Treatment

On the very day as the religious center assault, the Israeli military killed numerous of Palestinians in Gaza – increasing the terrible count from two years of ongoing violence that have taken many thousands of human lives. British politicians and media outlets have hardly hidden the minimal importance they attach to Palestinian life. This represents one of the boldest expressions of discrimination in contemporary society.

Crossing Thresholds

Our government has already crossed a dangerous threshold by proscribing Palestine Action, a non-violent, human rights-focused activist collective. Thousands of British protesters have been detained, mostly for carrying signs against genocide and supporting the banned organization. Many of those detained are pensioners; including a former clergyman and the child of a Holocaust survivor.

Global Comparisons

It's not difficult to see where this trajectory leads. In the United States, political leaders helped vilify demonstrations supporting Palestine: a former House Speaker suggested that some were "connected to" foreign governments, while the current president described such demonstrations as anti-Jewish. In taking these actions, they helped legitimize the repressive measures on such protests – and on freedom of expression in general.

Future Concerns

If a hard-right government comes to power, it would be granted sweeping powers to control opposition. What might a Reform government do with this repressive toolkit? Our forebears fought, suffered and died to establish our liberties. We may ultimately rue how easily we permitted them to slip away.