THE LIBERAL Democrats have called for a review of the terrorism law used in Parliament Square, to arrest 532 peaceful protesters of the banned group Palestine Action, warning it risked having a ‘chilling effect’ on free speech.
The Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs, Lisa Smart MP, has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging her to request the Independent Reviewer of Terror Legislation (Jonathan Hall, KC) to undertake an urgent review of Section 12 (1A) and Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Lisa Smart in her letter, wrote: ”As you will be aware, this weekend, 532 protesters were arrested for displaying an item (in this case a placard) in support of a proscribed organisation (in this case Palestine Action) contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. If convicted, they could each now face up to six months in prison.
”While we recognise the serious nature of this group’s activities, including criminal offences such as vandalism of military equipment and RAF aircraft, aggravated burglary and violent disorder, and in some cases awaiting the conclusion of trials, we are deeply concerned about the use of terrorism powers against peaceful protesters in this context.
“The then Conservative Government, as part of their sustained campaign to clamp down on protest, chose to extend terrorism legislation in 2018 to include new offences.
”These included expanding the scope of Section 13 and creating a new offence in Section 12 (1A) of expressing an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
“At the time, the Liberal Democrats voted against these provisions because we were deeply concerned about their potential impact on free speech and civil liberties. Sadly, those concerns are now being realised.
”It is disappointing to see that your department, rather than prioritising the protection of peaceful protest – an essential pillar of any liberal democracy – and taking steps to reverse these measures, has instead adopted the same approach as the Conservatives.
“There is no doubt that individuals employing violence, antisemitic abuse or hate speech to protect, should face serious consequences …. and be prosecuted and punished under existing laws.
“Instead, Section 13’s use to arrest individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest sets a troubling precedent and risked having a chilling effect on both free speech and legitimate democratic dissent.
“It is shocking that in 2025, the Metropolitan Police arrested hundreds of people for silently protesting and holding up a placard or a piece of paper.
“I won’t be surprised if this is the start of further protests that will be even larger in number than what we saw just 2 weeks ago.
“It is only right that the Independent Reviewer of Terror Legislation should review and assess whether the application of Section 13 in this context is appropriate and, if not, to consider whether the legislation requires amendment to prevent misuse in future.“
