(Jewish News) Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review of the UK’s public order and hate crime legislation in the wake of last month’s terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue.
The review, to be led by Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC, will examine whether current laws effectively balance the need to protect communities from hate and intimidation with the rights to free speech and peaceful protest.
It will also assess whether police powers to manage protests — such as recent pro-Palestine demonstrations — are proportionate and whether the law sufficiently addresses offences related to aggravated behaviour and the “stirring up” of hatred.
Key areas of focus will include the impact of protests and hate crimes on community cohesion and public safety, as well as concerns over disruptive or intimidating demonstrations.
