Quakers gathered in protest outside a police station in Bath last week following a police raid on a Westminster meeting house. Six women were arrested inside the meeting house in March on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.
Allegedly, more than 20 uniformed police officers, some armed with tasers, raided the premises. The group claims they were meeting to discuss concerns about climate change and Palestine.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, expressed outrage, stating, “This aggressive violation of our place of worship and the forceful removal of young people holding a protest group meeting clearly shows what happens when a society criminalizes protest.”
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The raid follows the passing of a controversial law limiting protesters' rights. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 states that a person commits an offence if they obstruct the public’s exercise of certain rights with intent or recklessness.
During the peaceful protest in Bath, Quakers held up signs reading “20 police with tasers to arrest 6 young women!” and “Quakers call for rights to be restored.” A banner posed the question “RAIDING QUAKERS= POLICE STATE?”
Nick Francis of Bath Quakers stated, “Our vigil in Bath was part of a national day of action against this infringement of our civil liberties. We explained to staff in the police station why we were there and received a good response from passersby.”
The Quakers have a long history of peaceful protest and were instrumental in the abolition and suffragette movements. Notable Quakers include Susan B. Anthony, an early feminist, and Elizabeth Fry, a prison reform advocate featured on the £5 note.