New laws to let cops ban face coverings on protests should be brought in, official review says
LAWS to let police ban face masks on protests should be brought in, the government’s official adviser on political violence has recommended.
It comes after masked thugs chanted anti Jewish chants, waved pro Hamas material and clashed with police at recent pro Palestine demos in Britain.
There is growing alarm at marchers wearing ski masks and scarves to hide their identities while causing disruption on demos
John Woodcock – whose formal name is Lord Walney – advises Rishi Suank on countering political violence.
The Sun on Sunday understands his official review calls for the law change as one of its key recommendations
A Whitehall source said: “US-style ‘black bloc’ tactics where extreme protesters mask up and create mayhem aren’t welcome here in the UK.
“The police should have clearer powers to insist marches can only go ahead if protesters don’t try to hide their identity to get away with violence or hate crimes.”
The October 7 Hamas terror attacks have sparked rolling pro Palestine demos in London and other British cities.
But marches have been marred by violence, anti Jewish slurs and threatening behaviour.
Masked protesters have been photographed brandishing hate-filled placards and wearing pro Hamas para-glider stickers on demos.
Police currently have powers to tell protesters to remove their face coverings when they are being used as disguises.
But the report urges the government to go further and make a ban on face coverings an explicit condition before a protest is allowed to go ahead.
Lord Walney’s report has just been handed in to Downing Street and the Home Office.
The government will announce its response to the report later this year.
Former Home Office ministers Robert Jenrick and Priti Patel both back the ban.
Mr Jenrick said: ‘‘Face coverings are being deliberately used by law-breakers to disguise themselves and intimidate the public.
“The impunity for extremists on our streets must end.
“A ban on face coverings will drive up arrests and successful prosecutions, ensuring extremists face the full force of the law.’’
Ms Patel said: “The public are incensed by the selfish and disruptive actions of these groups, along with the enormous waste of police time and resources that are caused by protesters with their attention seeking stunts.
“UK law enforcement and our police officers do incredible work on keeping the public and country safe.
“With the threats our county’s faces it is vital that our law enforcement are given all the tools and powers to tackle protesters and terrorism to keep the public and the country safe.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Independent Review into Political Violence and Disruption, led by Lord Walney, aims to increase the UK Government’s understanding of the increase in activity amongst the far-right, far-left, and other political groups, and the points at which their activities can cross into criminality and disruption.
“We will respond to the report’s recommendations in due course”