Freedom of expression and assembly are core features of democracy. However, restrictions to rights to liberty have been justified to prevent the spread of serios infectious disease. Regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic have therefore sought to restrict public assemblies. At the same time in 2020 the #BlackLivesMatter movement responded dynamically to police violence. Further significant protests in the UK in 2020 included protest events of Extinction Rebellion and protests over government response to the pandemic. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021 responds to these protest events and has immediately resulted in further protests. At the same time, Northern Ireland is experiencing a return to violent protest.   

This panel brings together a group of experts who are reflecting on protest and policing in the times of the pandemic. Speakers will discuss continuities and discontinuities, as well as the future of protest, how it is policed and how protest responds to policing.

Please register for the event here

Meeting ID: 893 6583 8098, password: 685025