§ Lord Ouseleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether racist rallies are unlawful; and what enforcement action may be taken to prevent them. [HL6316]
§ Lord Falconer of Thoroton:Under the Public Order Act 1986 it is an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to stir up racial hatred against anyone on the grounds of colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origins. A power of arrest for police officers is attached to this offence.
Under Section 14 of the same Act, the police are also able to attach conditions to public assemblies in order to avoid serious disorder, serious damage, intimidation or serious disruption to the life of the community.