Calls grow to restore rights after police raid on Quaker Meeting House

Westminster Quaker Meeting House

Source: Quakers in Britain

The police raid on Westminster Quaker meeting house last Thursday was a massively disproportionate response to the legitimate concerns of UK citizens. A force of 20 officers broke open the door without warning, arresting six young people who had hired a room to discuss climate change and peace in Gaza.

Since the story broke, Quakers have been overwhelmed by messages of support, from other faiths horrified at the violation of a place of worship, from people around the world, from the public who clearly see this for what it is: appalling police overreach. Questions have even been raised in the House of Commons.

Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, said: "This raid is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing trend of excessive policing under new laws brought in by the previous government, which are now being enforced by the current administration."

Since the introduction of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023, the right to protest has been severely restricted. Vague and sweeping definitions mean that even discussing peaceful protest can be criminalized.

This is not just about the actions of the police but about laws that undermine democracy itself. In a democratic society, people must have the right to assemble and to speak out, even when their views challenge those in power. Every citizen deserves to be heard, not just those with influence or media access.

Oliver Robertson said: "This is about the kind of country, the kind of world, we want to live in. Quakers believe that all people are equal, and for that to be a reality, we need laws that enable participation rather than suppress it."

The government should repeal these restrictive laws and protect the right to protest.

In a diverse society, we need to be able to hear dissenting voices with respect. Forcibly preventing these from being heard, through law or police action is in no way democratic. People talking and peacefully demonstrating is not a threat to society; but stopping them is.

- A Mass Silent Quaker Meeting is to be held outside New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, 12-1pm, Thursday, 3 April, attended by Baroness Jenny Jones and others. All welcome.