Found: Terms of Reference have been carefully considered and agreed by the Chair of the review, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven

Found: To lead this vital work, the Home Secretary has appointed Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC, former

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to promote free speech.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Free speech is a fundamental right and a defining value of our open and diverse society. Our legislation reflects this, enabling individuals to engage in robust debate. However, freedom of speech is a qualified right. It does not extend to language that incites violence, hatred, or criminal behaviour.

In November 2025, the Home Secretary announced an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, led by Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC. As part of its work, the Review will assess whether existing police powers remain effective, proportionate and used consistently, including in relation to lawful protest, helping to ensure that the legal framework supports the protection of free speech while maintaining public order.

The Home Secretary has also announced that non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) are to be replaced in their current form with a more common-sense approach. The review of NCHIs, led by the College of Policing and the NPCC, includes consideration of how to best protect the fundamental right to freedom of expression. A publication of the findings from the College and NPCC is expected in March 2026.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to protect free speech.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Free speech is a fundamental right and a defining value of our open and diverse society. Our legislation reflects this, enabling individuals to engage in robust debate. However, freedom of speech is a qualified right. It does not extend to language that incites violence, hatred, or criminal behaviour.

In November 2025, the Home Secretary announced an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, led by Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC. As part of its work, the Review will assess whether existing police powers remain effective, proportionate and used consistently, including in relation to lawful protest, helping to ensure that the legal framework supports the protection of free speech while maintaining public order.

The Home Secretary has also announced that non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) are to be replaced in their current form with a more common-sense approach. The review of NCHIs, led by the College of Policing and the NPCC, includes consideration of how to best protect the fundamental right to freedom of expression. A publication of the findings from the College and NPCC is expected in March 2026.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has taken steps to review public safety at protests.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. The government and the police are committed to upholding the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, and for people to do so in a manner that is safe and in keeping with the law.

As part of this commitment, the Home Office continues to keep its public order legislation under constant review and will consider any further changes as may be necessary.

In keeping legislation under review, the government has previously reaffirmed the commitment to expedited post‑legislative scrutiny of the Public Order Act 2023, which began in May 2025. Separately, in November 2025, the Home Secretary announced an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, led by Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC. The Review will assess whether existing police powers remain effective, proportionate and used consistently, including in relation to lawful protest.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to protect civil liberties in the (a) development and (b) implementation of (i) public order and (ii) policing policy.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All protest legislation has been and is developed in line with the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Articles 10 and 11. The government remains committed to protecting civil liberties, including the right to peaceful protest.

It has long been a principle in this country that individuals may gather and express their views, provided they do so within the law. Where protests contravene the law, it is essential that the police who are operationally independent have appropriate powers to respond.

The Home Secretary launched an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation on 5 October led by Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC. The review will ensure police powers remain fit for purpose, are used consistently, and strike the right balance between protecting the public and upholding the right to lawful protest.

It will address whether the existing legislation is effective and proportionate, whether it adequately protects communities from intimidation and hate and whether it strikes a fair and sustainable balance between the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, and the need to prevent disorder and keep communities safe.

The review is underway and will conclude by Spring 2026.

Found: to work on appropriate cases”.154 Discussing this commitment on a podcast, former DPP Lord Macdonald of River Glaven

Found: Leadbeater said she agreed with the assessment of former Director of Public Prosecutions, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN 84_ Clause

Found: to work on appropriate cases”.154 Discussing this commitment on a podcast, former DPP Lord Macdonald of River Glaven

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN 84_ Clause

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN 84_ Clause

Found: Leadbeater said she agreed with the assessment of former Director of Public Prosecutions, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN 84_ Clause

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN 84_ Clause

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN _ Clause

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN _ Clause

Found: LORD YOUNG OF ACTON BARONESS DEECH BARONESS FOX OF BUCKLEY LORD MACDONALD OF RIVER GLAVEN _ Clause

Israel APPG
Tuesday 10th June 2025

Found: insights, chaired by Lord Roberts of Belgravia, including Baroness Hodge of Barking, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven

Found: Public Order and Hate Crime Review We have appointed Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC to lead an independent

Found: expected outputs timings governance arrangements The independent review will be chaired by Lord Macdonald of River Glaven

Found: Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC has been appointed to lead an independent review of laws on public

Found: To lead this vital work, the Home Secretary has appointed Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC, former