16. When Co-option Fails Tom Anderson
I rejoice that I live in a country where peaceful protest is a natural part of our democratic heritage. Tony Blair1 The right to protest is an important aspect of a democratic society but when people cross the line into criminal activity they should be aware they may well find themselves facing prosecution. Rob Turnbull, Chief Crown Prosecutor for North Yorkshire (Speaking before the guilty verdict was passed against twenty-two environmental activists who interfered with the transporting of coal, 2009).2
The British government, like all liberal ‘democracies’, frequently proclaims itself a defender of freedom of expression and assembly. However, this is usually accompanied by the words ‘rule of law’. As this article will show, this provides a get-out clause, enabling governments to justify the repression of the same political freedoms they claim to defend. Since this ‘rule of law’ is created and developed by governments and the judicial system, it ensures governments can devise new ways with which to repress those who threaten state and corporate interests in response to changing circumstances and changing patterns of dissent. In this way the ‘rule of law’ serves to protect capitalist interests, in the name of public order, security and democracy. By using labels such as