Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to introduce a new mechanism to restrict the activities of extreme criminal protest groups.

This government is committed to ensuring the police have the powers they need to proportionately manage extreme criminal protests while safeguarding the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

An independent review of public order and hate crime legislation is underway to assess whether current laws remain fit for purpose in light of evolving protest tactics, community impacts, and the need to protect democratic processes. The review is being led by Lord Ken Macdonald of River Glaven KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions and one of the UK’s most respected legal authorities. His independence and expertise will ensure a rigorous and impartial review.

The review is expected to report in Spring 2026.