Nathan Whetton: Legislating against concealing identity at protests – UK Constitutional Law Association
‘The Crime and Policing Bill was introduced to Parliament on 25 February 2025. The Bill builds on the Labour party manifesto commitment to “take back our streets”, and contains a wide-ranging scope of provisions aiming at tackling violence, antisocial behaviour and enhancing public confidence in the criminal justice system. Having passed through the Commons in June this year, the Bill is currently at the Committee stage in the Lords until 27 January 2026. The Bill creates an offence of concealing identity at a protest. After outlining the mechanics of the proposed offence, this post will highlight potential conflicts with the freedoms of expression and assembly as protected by Articles 10 and 11 of the ECHR. The offence will then be considered within the context of growing anti-protest law in Britain.’
UK Constitutional Association, 12th November 2025
Source: ukconstitutionallaw.org
