European rights body urges UK ministers to review protest laws

The Council of Europe's human rights commissioner has urged the UK government to review its protest laws, expressing concerns about the policing of demonstrations. The commissioner highlighted the need to strike a balance between the right to peaceful assembly and the prevention of public disorder. The warning comes amid ongoing debates around the government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which proposes to grant police additional powers to restrict protests. Critics argue that these measures could disproportionately impact the right to protest, particularly for marginalized groups. The commissioner emphasized the importance of ensuring that any restrictions on protests are necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory. They called for a thorough assessment of the impact of the proposed changes on human rights and democratic freedoms. The UK government has defended the bill, stating that it aims to provide the police with the tools to manage demonstrations effectively. However, the commissioner's intervention highlights the need for a balanced and rights-based approach to public order and the protection of the fundamental right to peaceful assembly.