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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Damien Gayle

UK government adviser on disruptive protest accused of conflict of interest

Just Stop Oil protesters take part in a walking protest in central London, 6 November 2023: they are wearing orange fluorescent tabards and holding bright orange banners as they block Whitehall. It is a fine, clear day with a blue sky, and trees and buildings can be seen in the background.
John Woodcock’s review recommends an effective ban on at least two protest groups, naming Just Stop Oil as one. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

Activists have accused the government’s independent adviser on political violence of a conflict of interest, after it emerged that he had lobbying links to companies that would benefit from curbs to protesting.

John Woodcock, formerly a Labour MP and now a crossbench peer, has prepared a review of “far-left” involvement in disruptive protest, which includes activism against climate change and war. At the same time, he has been chairing and advising lobby groups representing arms manufacturers and fossil fuel firms.

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