If you’re planning to attend a protest in the near future, it is important to ensure you protest safely.
In the UK we have the right to protest peacefully. However, deciding if you attend a protest is a deeply personal choice.
If you choose not to protest, you shouldn’t feel bad about this, there are plenty of other ways to support – such as online or by writing to groups/representatives about the things you are passionate about.
If you do decide to attend a protest, we advise the following:
General Advice for Attending Protests
- Tell someone close to you that you are attending the protest and when you expect to return, especially if you are going alone
- Make a group with friends you know. If you are marching, arrange a meeting point at the destination in case you get split up
- Stay hydrated, take plenty of water with you
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
- If the weather is expected to be hot, take a hat sunglasses and sunscreen
- If cold weather or rain is expected, wrap up and prepare for the weather!
- COVID is still in circulation and therefore you may feel more comfortable wearing a mask or face covering at large gatherings, and taking hand sanitiser with you
COVID and Other Illnesses
Before attending a protest, you should assess your own condition, risk and ability to spread COVID and other contagious illnesses. If you feel unwell or have any COVID symptoms DO NOT attend. Don’t forget that other protesters could be from, or live with, high-risk groups and you could pass the virus on to them. Similarly, if you live with or are in contact with anyone in a high-risk category, consider your potential for transmitting the virus before attending.
If you decide not to go to a protest, because you do not feel comfortable or you’re simply not able to, remember that it does NOT mean that you don’t support the cause. There are plenty of ways you can participate – why not check out our suggestions for supporting a protest from home?
Updated January 2023.
