Government scraps Lord Walney’s role

The government has cancelled the position of Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption in a major shakeup announced on Friday.

The Home Office decision to scrap the role will see former Labour MP Lord Walney step back from his unpaid position, which he has held since November 2020.

The position will be ditched entirely, with its remit wrapped into the Commissioner for Countering Extremism (CCE).

As independent adviser, Walney has been a staunch advocate for safety on the streets of Britain and has condemned the hostile nature of anti-Israel rallies in London.

He published a review on Political Violence and Disruption in May last year, which made 40 recommendations, including that the government create “extreme protest restriction orders”.

He recommended a new category for proscribing “extreme protest groups” such as Palestine Action – which uses stunts and disruption to demonstrate against factories in Britain that produce components for arms used by Israel – and Just Stop Oil. Walney suggested that there should be limits on the groups’ right to assembly and their ability to fundraise.

The report’s recommendations have yet to be adopted.

On his departure from the position, Walney said: “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 protesters.

“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.”

The government also announced that it is hiring for CCE, as well as the Independent Prevent Commissioner, a role temporarily filled by Lord David Anderson until a permanent appointment is made.

The current CCE, Robin Simcox, was appointed in March 2021 and his fixed term is set to end in July.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis commented on the announcement: “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.

“I would also like to thank Lord Walney and Robin Simcox for their work in their respective roles as Independent Advisor on Political Violence and Disruption and as Commissioner for Countering Extremism.”

A Home Office spokesperson added: “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.”