Outgoing government extremism adviser concerned about impact of ‘weekly Gaza marches’
Home Office confirms Lord Walney role as independent adviser has come to an end
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The government’s outgoing independent adviser on extremism has said the “weekly Gaza marches” shows the legal balance between the right to protest and need to avoid disruption of people’s lives “is not currently set right.”
Lord Walney was appointed as the government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption in 2020, but the Home Office has confirmed this has now “come to an end”.
Officials said the responsibilities of the anti-extremism tsar will be incorporated into the role of the commissioner for countering extremism, one of two posts, along with the independent Prevent commissioner.
After the change was announced, Lord Walney, previously known as former Labour MP John Woodcock, posted on X:”At a time of increasing threats and intimidation, we must do more to protect our democracy and its MPs from organised coercion, and the public from the menace of extreme protestors.
“I will continue to contribute to this vital debate and hope ministers will show in the coming months that they understand the depth of the public’s contempt for activists who unlawfully disrupt their lives and cause criminal damage to get their way.
“In particular, the combined toll of the weekly Gaza marches shows that the balance is not currently set right. The forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill is an important opportunity to give police forces greater ability to balance the right to protest with the cumulative harm that weekly demonstrations can cause to communities and the huge drain on police resources at a time they are already overstretched.”
Last May, a report published by Walney warned that there was a growing problem with extreme protest movements such as Palestine Action and he accused such groups of trying to undermine UK laws.
He recommended extending police powers to ban demonstrations they believed would lead to “intimidation from threatening or abusive conduct.”
Dan Jarvis, the security minister, thanked Walney and Robin Simcox, the outgoing commissioner for countering violent extremism, for their service.
“To continue our fight against extremism and terrorism in whatever form they take, we need expert advice and oversight. The role holders will be crucial in those efforts, and I look forward to working with the successful candidates,” he said.
A Home Office spokesman said: “We want to thank Lord Walney for his dedicated work as independent advisor and his vital contribution to the UK government’s understanding of political violence and disruption.
“His work will continue to inform our approach as we move forward to assess the complex challenges facing our country.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
