Recommendation 15

The right to protest is a fundamental right in a healthy democratic society. Public authorities, including the police, are under a negative obligation not to interfere with the right to protest unlawfully and a positive obligation to facilitate peaceful protest. Therefore, it is concerning that current rhetoric focuses on the inconvenience sometimes caused by protest rather than its value to society. This must be addressed. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill should introduce statutory protection for the right to protest, setting out both the negative and positive obligations of the State in relation to protest. (Paragraph 128) Legislative Scrutiny: Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, Part 3 (Public Order) 43 Declaration of interests 100 Lord Brabazon of Tara • No relevant interests to declare Lord Dubs • No relevant interests to declare Lord Henley • No relevant interests to declare Baroness Ludford • No relevant interests to declare Baroness Massey of Darwen • No relevant interests to declare Lord Singh of Wimbledon • No relevant interests to declare 100 A full list of Members’ interests can be found in the Register of Lords’ Interests: http://www.parliament.uk/ mpslords-and-offices/standards-and-interests/register-of-lords-interests/ 44 Legislative Scrutiny: Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, Part 3 (Public Order)