Bond’s latest review of civic space highlights key trends threatening charities and campaigners
A leading NGO membership body has published a review showing UK anti-protest laws and surveillance technology need a rethink.
Bond, the UK network for civil society organisations working in international development, has released its UK civic space review for 24-25, detailing the key trends threatening civil society’s core functions.
From growing concerns over protest rights, to the rollout of new technologies such as facial recognition and artificial intelligence (AI), and fresh stigmatisation of campaigners and communities who challenge government reforms, little has been done to improve UK civic space over the past year.
The group raised a number of issues - including concerns about the crackdown on protest rights, with climate and environmental protesters handed longer sentences and stricter penalties, and strict policing of pro-Palestine demonstrations.
Technological monitoring of civil society was also raised, with the use of facial recognition and surveillance technology becoming more widespread, increased understanding of the possible impacts of artificial intelligence, and attempts at regulating artificial intelligence prioritising growth and security over human rights, highlighted.
Concerns about the impact of last year’s general election on civil society were mentioned too, with civil society being less outspoken during general elections alongside growing call for increased integrity of elections.
Finally, Bond criticised the approach of government towards civil society, with the stigmatisation of campaigners and communities who challenge government reforms raised, as well as a change in tone towards some in civil society, but few policy changes.
Speaking about the review, Rowan Popplewell, policy manager on civic space at Bond, said: “Our report highlights that little has been done to reverse the draconian restrictions on protest rights introduced by the previous government, which have led to peaceful protesters receiving lengthy prison sentences. We are also seeing fresh attacks on campaigners, including plans to ban face coverings at protests and the stigmatisation of communities opposing government planning reforms.
“We need a government that is not only open to engaging with civil society, but also takes steps to ensure that people are able to protest and speak out on the issues they care about.
“Plans to reset the relationship with civil society, including through introducing a new Covenant agreement, are welcome, but they risk falling flat unless the government also protects the right to protest and campaign.”
