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In today's Britain, public demonstration has ceased to be a fundamental right. Instead, it has become a privilege that those in power grant or withhold as they see fit. This represents the underlying meaning of proposed measures that the current government is advancing, which would determine when and where demonstrations can take place, with possible prison sentences for those who disobey these restrictions.

Gradual Weakening of Democratic Rights

Earlier governments had already weakened this fundamental freedom: the previous Tory administration had given law enforcement sweeping additional powers, which global rights bodies had condemned as "significant and undue restrictions" on civil liberties. Taken together, these progressive assaults on freedom have practically abolished the historically earned right to public demonstration.

Exploiting Tragedy to Justify Suppression

The latest limitations are being defended by referring to last week's terrible antisemitic attack on a Manchester mosque. We can all agree on widespread consensus that the safety of British Jews must be protected. However, employing this horrific incident as a justification to suppress dissent is not only disconnected to that responsibility but perverts it.

"When you cannot draw the line at genocide, you likely cannot draw the line at democracy," observed a well-known American author, whose words that applies equally for the present administration.

Historical Context of Demonstration

Consider Britain's long tradition of public demonstration and activism against racism and fascism, from the 1936 Battle of Cable Street to after World War II Jewish groups opposing fascism and the 1970s demonstrations against the far-right organization. Many of these historical demonstrators were labeled as radicals in their era, even while they were fighting for the rights of minorities.

Present Situation

In the current complicated landscape, here's what's actually occurring: The Israeli government – a foreign state – is committing acts that international bodies have characterized as systematic destruction. Its warfare have led the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister.

Western public opinion has shifted dramatically against Israel's violent actions. In Britain, a large percentage of the public believe Israel has likely committed international law violations. Most people would support a complete ban on arms sales to the nation, and back the arrest of the Israeli leader.

Suppressing Opposition

Having largely failed the public debate, pro-Israel advocates are now seizing on a despicable anti-Jewish attack to try to silence a popular campaign against a ethical disaster. The British government seems involved in this effort. Ministers have not enacted extensive restrictions on Israel and have allowed weapon shipments to proceed.

People who are protesting against the destruction of Gaza have been labeled as dangerous radicals. Yet there's a important factor why there hasn't been a broader crackdown on these demonstrators until now: extremely few protesters have made truly offensive statements about Jewish people, giving police authorities minimal reason to take action.

Dangerous Conflation

Equating Jewish heritage with the policies of the government of Israel is not only manipulative but also harmful. The official definition of antisemitism, adopted by the British government and numerous institutions, has been rightly challenged for potentially stifling legitimate criticism of Israel. However, there should be universal agreement about one of its central illustrations: that "making Jewish people collectively responsible for decisions of the state of Israel" constitutes prejudice against Jews.

Increasing Limitations

This is why we've reached a situation where law enforcement can propose that protests opposing Israel's policies should be called off because they might "inadvertently or intentionally" endorse anti-Jewish sentiment. Similarly, government officials have declared that acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood has made political parties "complicit" in alleged abuse experienced by British Jews.

Double Standards

On the same day as the religious center assault, the Israel's army killed numerous of Palestinian civilians in Gaza – increasing the horrific toll from two years of ongoing violence that have claimed tens of thousands of lives. British political leaders and media outlets have barely concealed the minimal importance they attach to Palestinian life. This represents one of the boldest demonstrations of discrimination in our time.

Breaking Boundaries

Our government has already passed a dangerous threshold by proscribing a specific activist group, a peaceful, anti-genocide activist collective. Multiple thousands of British demonstrators have been detained, primarily for holding placards against genocide and supporting the banned organization. Many of those detained are pensioners; including a retired priest and the child of a Holocaust survivor.

Global Comparisons

It's easy to see where this path leads. In the United States, political leaders helped vilify demonstrations supporting Palestine: a ex-political leader suggested that some were "connected to" foreign governments, while the current president described such protests as antisemitic. In doing so, they helped legitimize the authoritarian crackdown on such protests – and on freedom of expression in general.

Future Concerns

If a conservative administration comes to power, it would be given extensive authority to suppress dissent. What might a Reform government do with this repressive toolkit? Our forebears fought, suffered and died to establish our freedoms. We may eventually rue how casually we permitted them to be eroded.