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Authoritarian Lord Walney pushed out as government adviser

CAMPAIGNERS rejoiced today as right-wing peer Lord Walney — otherwise known as John Woodcock — was pushed out as the government’s adviser on political violence and disruption.

The ex-Labour MP produced a stream of plans to suppress pro-Palestine and climate change protests under the last government and looked to continue in the role under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Lord Walney, whose proposals were regarded as “too extreme,” was closely associated with pro-Israel and arms and energy lobbying groups. 

Tim Crosland of Defend our Juries said: “If the government’s serious about confronting corporate corruption of democracy and the rule of law, it doesn’t end with the sacking of Lord Walney. 

“They must order the release of all political prisoners now.”

Fifty Palestine and climate activists have been jailed since Lord Walney’s report came out in May, Mr Crosland highlighted.

A spokesman for Stop the War said: “Walney can join Suella Braverman in the political graveyard of those who tried to curb democracy in the interests of the powerful and criminalise the mass movement of solidarity with the Palestinians.”

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