The UK government’s appointment of Lord Ken Macdonald KC to review protest legislation has ignited significant controversy following revelations of his strong pro-Israel advocacy. Macdonald, a crossbench peer and former Director of Public Prosecutions, has publicly endorsed continuing arms sales to Israel during its military operations in Gaza, stating he “strongly believes in the indispensability of the state of Israel.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood initiated the independent review of public order and hate crime laws in November, following pro-Gaza demonstrations that occurred days after an antisemitic attack in Manchester. The review will assess whether recent legislative amendments effectively balance community protection with protest rights.
However, Macdonald’s previous positions have raised concerns about impartiality. In October 2023, he co-authored a letter to The Times arguing Israel’s siege of Gaza constituted self-defense. Subsequently, in April 2024, he signed a UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) letter advocating against arms sales suspension to Israel, claiming there was no evidence of systematic international law violations.
Forty civil society organizations, including Amnesty International UK and Liberty, have condemned the government’s proposed protest restrictions as a “draconian crackdown” on freedom of expression and assembly. They warn new police powers allowing protest bans based on “cumulative impact” could disproportionately affect various demonstrations, from anti-racist marches to Pride events.
Human Rights Watch recently accused the UK government of severely restricting protest rights, while the UN Human Rights Chief criticized the terrorism designation of direct action group Palestine Action as hindering fundamental freedoms. Since the July 2025 ban, over 2,000 people, predominantly pensioners, have been arrested for holding signs opposing genocide.
Interestingly, Macdonald has himself criticized the terrorism legislation application, noting it targets an organization supported by “tens of millions” of people. His review is expected to conclude in February amid ongoing debates about protest rights, free speech, and the intersection of international conflicts with domestic policy.