ICJP evidence submitted to Crime and Policing Bill Committee, highlighting major threats to civil liberties
London, 20th May 2025- Last week, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians submitted written evidence to the Public Bill Committee for the Crime and Policing Bill, which was subsequently accepted and published by parliament. The evidence submitted highlighted draconian elements of the bill that undermine civil liberties.
In particular, the bill focused on Clause 86, which seeks to criminalise face masks at protests, as well as Clause 90, which will criminalise protesting by climbing on war memorials. Other problematic elements include Clause 101, which blurs the lines between criminal justice and immigration enforcement, and Part 14, which seeks to create new ‘Youth Diversion Orders’ within counter-terrorism frameworks.
The Bill has been introduced by the Government within a wider context in which civil liberties in the United Kingdom have faced erosion, through the introduction in recent years of legislation including the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (PCSCA 2022), the Public Order Act 2023. The previous Government also attempted to introduce the Criminal Justice Bill in 2024, prior to the dissolution of the previous parliament, which would also have undermined civil liberties in the UK.
These measures seek to undermine right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, which are protected by Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and enshrined in British law under the Human Rights Act (1998).
The Bill has also been introduced within a wider context of Israel’s War on Gaza. 60% of the UK public (60%) say that Israel’s military action in Gaza has gone too far. This sentiment has been reflected in large-scale demonstrations against Israel’s actions, including local demonstrations across the country and national marches with attendance figures amongst the most in British history.
The right to express opposition to such policies and practices is not merely protected under British and European law, but this opposition is also widespread amongst UK citizens and residents.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- ICJP is a legal organisation based in London, working to uphold international law and defend the rights of Palestinians.
- ICJP’s full submission can be viewed on parliament.uk at https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmpublic/CrimePolicing/memo/CPB129.htm
- For more information or for media inquiries, please contact the ICJP news desk at press@icjpalestine.com