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In today's Britain, protest has ceased to be a basic freedom. Rather, it has become a privilege that authorities grant or deny as they see fit. This represents the underlying meaning of proposed measures that the current government is putting forward, which would dictate the timing and location protests can occur, with possible prison sentences for those who defy these restrictions.

Erosion of Civil Liberties

Earlier governments had already weakened this fundamental freedom: the former Conservative government had granted law enforcement sweeping additional powers, which international human rights organizations had condemned as "serious and unjustified restrictions" on civil liberties. Collectively, these incremental assaults on liberty have practically abolished the historically earned right to freedom of protest.

Using Atrocity to Justify Suppression

The most recent limitations are being justified by citing last week's terrible anti-Jewish assault on a Manchester mosque. There should be widespread consensus that the security of British Jews must be protected. However, using this atrocity as a pretext to stifle opposition is not only unrelated to that responsibility but distorts it.

"When you can't set boundaries at genocide, you likely cannot draw the line at democracy," observed a prominent American author, whose words that rings true for the present administration.

Historical Context of Protest

Reflect on Britain's rich history of protest and activism against racial discrimination and fascism, from the historic 1936 Cable Street confrontation to postwar Jewish anti-fascist movements and the 1970s demonstrations against the far-right organization. Many of these early protesters were branded as radicals in their era, even while they were fighting for the freedoms of minorities.

Present Situation

In the current complicated landscape, here's what's truly happening: Israel – a foreign state – is committing acts that international bodies have described as systematic destruction. Its warfare have led the International Criminal Court to release arrest warrants against Israel's prime minister and his ex-military leader.

Western public opinion has shifted dramatically against Israel's violent actions. In Britain, a large percentage of citizens think Israel has likely committed international law violations. Most people would endorse a complete ban on weapons exports to the nation, and back the arrest of Netanyahu.

Suppressing Opposition

Having essentially lost the public debate, pro-Israel advocates are now seizing on a despicable anti-Jewish attack to attempt to suppress a popular campaign against a ethical disaster. The British government seems included in this attempt. Ministers have not enacted extensive restrictions on Israel and have allowed arms exports to proceed.

People who are protesting against the erasure of Gaza have been characterized as dangerous radicals. Yet there's a important factor why there hasn't been a broader suppression on these protesters until now: very limited protesters have made truly offensive statements about Jewish people, giving police authorities little justification to take action.

Dangerous Conflation

Equating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli state is not only manipulative but also harmful. The standard interpretation of antisemitism, adopted by the British government and many organizations, has been rightly challenged for potentially stifling valid commentary of Israel. However, there should be universal agreement about one of its key examples: that "holding Jewish people generally accountable for decisions of the state of Israel" constitutes antisemitism.

Increasing Limitations

This is why we've reached a situation where law enforcement can suggest that demonstrations criticizing Israel's policies should be called off because they might "inadvertently or deliberately" endorse antisemitism. Similarly, political figures have declared that recognition of Palestinian statehood has made political parties "implicated" in supposed mistreatment experienced by Jewish communities.

Double Standards

On the very day as the synagogue attack, the Israeli military killed dozens of Palestinians in Gaza – adding to the horrific toll from two years of daily atrocities that have claimed many thousands of lives. British politicians and media outlets have barely concealed the minimal importance they attach to Palestinian life. This represents one of the boldest demonstrations of racism in contemporary society.

Crossing Thresholds

Our government has already passed a concerning boundary by proscribing a specific activist group, a non-violent, anti-genocide direct action organization. Thousands of British demonstrators have been detained, primarily for holding signs opposing mass killing and supporting the proscribed group. Many of those arrested are elderly citizens; including a retired priest and the child of a Holocaust survivor.

International Parallels

It's not difficult to see where this trajectory leads. In the United States, government officials helped demonize pro-Palestinian protests: a ex-political leader suggested that some were "connected to" other nations, while the sitting leader described such protests as antisemitic. In doing so, they helped legitimize the repressive measures on such demonstrations – and on freedom of expression in general.

Future Concerns

If a hard-right government comes to power, it would be given extensive authority to control opposition. What might a new administration do with this repressive toolkit? Our ancestors fought, endured hardship and sacrificed their lives to secure our liberties. We may eventually rue how casually we permitted them to slip away.