Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC has been appointed to lead an independent review of laws on public order and hate crime.
Following the terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October, the Home Secretary announced an independent review of existing public order and hate crime legislation.
This resulted from concerns around community tensions and the impact of disruptive and intimidating protests and hate crimes on the cohesion and safety of society.
The review will look at the powers police have to manage protests and the current hate crime laws, including offences for aggravated behaviour and “stirring up” hatred.
It will examine whether existing legislation is effective and proportionate, and whether it protects communities from hate and intimidation.
It will also consider if the law protects free speech and peaceful protest, while also preventing disorder and keeping people safe.
“The terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October shocked the nation and showed how hatred and division can fuel violence. It happened at a time of growing concern about protests and hate crime in this country,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
“Our laws must protect the public, while upholding the right to protest and free speech. That is why we have asked Lord Macdonald to lead this review. His experience will ensure it is thorough and independent.”
Mahmood noted that lawful protest and free speech are fundamental rights, but government cannot allow them to be abused to spread hate or cause disorder. The law must be fit for purpose and consistently applied, she said.
This review follows recent changes to the Crime and Policing Bill, which will require police to consider the overall impact of protests in one place before setting conditions on future demonstrations.
Lord Macdonald is the former Director of Public Prosecutions and brings extensive legal expertise and independence to this work.
He will be supported by Owen Weatherill, a senior policing expert who brings operational experience from his role as the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Civil Contingencies and National Mobilisation.
The terms of reference for the review will be confirmed in the coming weeks with the review expected to commence imminently and conclude by February 2026.
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