#WeProtest – the campaign for protest rights

#WeProtest

Let's make the positive case for protest rights.

When those in power refuse to listen, protest is a vital way for all of us to make our voices heard. And from votes for women to Pride, the UK has a rich history of protests that have driven lasting positive change. 

Liberty is building a vibrant, joyful campaign to restore protest rights after years of decline by showing how protest has made Britain better for everyone.

Donate to our campaign to protect people’s ability to come together and demand change, and celebrate what we’re all capable of when #WeProtest.

Protest rights are popular

Protest is everyone’s right and something to celebrate – but a small minority has tried to silence us.

The previous Government spent years undermining protest, and changed the law to make it harder for everyone to stand up for what we believe in. But people don’t back this extreme anti-protest agenda.

Our latest research, published with the think tank Demos, shows the British public overwhelmingly supports the right to protest.

• Nine out of 10 people believe we should all have the right to express our opinion and raise awareness of issues we care about.
• More than three-quarters of the public believe people should be able to speak up on important issues without facing arrest.
• The more people learn about the history of protest, the more they support strengthening protest rights.
• Hearing from the people who take part in demonstrations about why they protest, makes the public even more supportive of protest rights.

Protest rights are popular. So, what can we do to build on this popularity and make sure our rights are protected for future generations?

How to build a powerful majority for protest rights

We need to show how protest has made Britain a better place. So much of what we’re all proud of in society exists thanks to years of campaigning, including protest.

No matter our backgrounds, where we live or who we vote for, we all want those in power to listen to our concerns. We want them to work to build a brighter future for us and our communities.

We all – from disabled people to people of colour, LGBT+ people, women, workers, students and everyone else – benefit when we can speak out on important issues. We never know when we might need to stand up to those in power to support our community.

We’ll tell the stories of people who have protested, their backgrounds, their motivations, hopes and dreams.

Liberty’s #WeProtest campaign will:

• celebrate how protests have made Britain better
• tell the stories of ordinary people who have stood up for their communities and for the things they believe in
• research effective communication techniques to help others understand the positive power of protest the way we all do 
• provide training, information and legal advice on protest to community campaigners
• reach out to allies, MPs, and the Government to build a powerful campaign for stronger protest rights.

Donate to our campaign to protect protest rights and celebrate everything that’s possible when #WeProtest!