Peter Bedford
Main Page: Peter Bedford (Conservative - Mid Leicestershire)Department Debates - View all Peter Bedford's debates with the Ministry of Justice
(3 weeks, 2 days ago)
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Sir Nicholas Dakin
The right to peacefully protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, as my hon. Friend rightly says, and this Government will protect and preserve that right. The post-legislative scrutiny of the Public Order Act 2023 began this month, and we will carefully consider the results of that review, along with the recommendations of the independent sentencing review.
Mr Peter Bedford (Mid Leicestershire) (Con)
While we might not agree with their methods, peaceful protests can take many forms, including the burning of religious texts. Does the Minister agree that freedom of expression must be protected and that any move by Parliament or the courts to introduce a blasphemy law would undermine it?
Sir Nicholas Dakin
The hon. Member will be reassured to know that we do not have a blasphemy law in this country, and that is the right and proper position.