Last Wednesday on 22nd May in Parliament there was a theme of Political Violence and Disruption: Walney Report which was opened by Thomas Tugendhat who was a Minister of Home Office. His first few words are listed below and the rest of his comments and the other responses can be seen here. One of the people who contributed was Caroline Lucas who is the Green MP and she is the person in my location so I have responded her comment below and also the very short comment from Thomas following Caroline’s comment. Because this was the last item she spoked in the Government from the closing of the Parliament before the plan for the Votes that were arranged. So here are first few words at the beginning from Thomas

Thomas: With permission, I will make a statement on Lord Walney’s report entitled “Protecting our Democracy from Coercion”. Lord Walney was appointed in 2019 to advise the Government on political violence and extremism. Throughout the course of his review, laid before Parliament yesterday and available on gov.uk, he has consulted an extensive evidence base and engaged Government, public bodies, international partners, academia, civil society and those personally affected by violent disruption and extremism.

Lord Walney’s timely and compelling report identifies a rising tide of extremism in this country. Its central finding is that political intimidation and the incitement of hatred by extremist groups and individuals are infringing on the essential rights and freedoms of the British people and those they choose to represent them in politics. In recent months, we have too often seen intimidatory and aggressive protest activity, with frequent disruption to our democratic processes, be that protests outside MPs’ homes and council meetings or shutting down events where people from both sides of this House have been speaking.

Here is the comment from Caroline Lucas and the response from Thomas

Caroline: I stand against extremism, hate and violence in all forms, but I still think that the report is extraordinarily dangerous, draconian and undemocratic. The pretence that it is in any way independent is totally undermined by a quick glance at the entry in the Register of Lords’ Interests of its author, who works for lobby companies that represent arms manufacturers and fossil fuel companies. Will the Minister at the very least reassure us that the Government will reject recommendation 27, which undermines jury trials in cases related to climate change and anti-racism, and instead uphold our great legal tradition of allowing juries to decide as they see fit? Will he also accept the High Court’s judgment in Liberty’s case against the Home Office and abandon any further restrictions on the right to peaceful protest, and instead protect all our rights to freedom of expression and association?

Thomas: We are reviewing the decision in the courts yesterday, and we will look at whether or not to appeal.