John Wadham, Director of Liberty, says:
Violent protest is unacceptable - but Government reaction to the actions of a few people in this specific case risks damaging everyone's freedom to engage in peaceful protest. That would severely restrict our rights to free expression and free assembly, which are central to a free democracy and are protected by the Government's own Human Rights Act 1998. As Mr Straw himself says, there are already "tough laws" restricting protest: there is no need for more.

The rights to freedom of assembly and expression are most at risk when they are used to promote minority opinions or when some of those involved use violence. There is of course no right to use violence or to intimidate others: but the fact that others use such tactics is not a justification for restricting the rights of those who only engage in peaceful protest.

The police already have considerable powers to restrict the right to protest (given to them by Michael Howard in the notorious Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994). There is no justification for imposing still more restrictions on the democratic right to peaceful protest.

NB re "Watching & besetting", from the Trade Unions & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 originated in the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act 1875. The Government has dragged up a law that's over 125 years old, that is vague and difficult for the both police and protestors to understand. Extending the use of this risks leading to greater misunderstandings and conflict.