Calls for action against political violence and intimidation

The London Assembly has today called for urgent action against political violence and intimidation, raising concerns about the activist group ‘Bash Back’ and urging the Government to consider further measures against the organisation.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to improving standards of political discourse following the murders of Jo Cox, Sir David Amess MP and Ann Widdecombe, and called on the Mayor to write to the Home Secretary asking what action can be taken to keep Londoners and the wider public safe.

Alex Wilson AM who proposed the motion, said:

“In the wake of the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe and remembering those of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, it's reassuring that the London Assembly has passed my motion calling for serious action to be taken against the group Bash Back and its alleged vile tactics of fear and intimidation.

“The passing of this motion signifies that no matter our political differences, we stand united against intimidation, violence and extremism in public debate.

“I hope the Home Secretary takes note of the Assembly's decision and acts to protect both the public and politicians."

The full text of the motion is:

“This Assembly notes with appreciation the 2 July 2026 motion recognising the horrendous murder of Jo Cox and calling for better standards of political discourse. In the wake of the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe, and that of Sir David Amess MP in 2022, this Assembly reaffirms that commitment.

With that, this Assembly expresses deep concern over the conduct of the activist group ‘Bash Back’, who are alleged to regularly use violent tactics and threats to accomplish their political objectives. Troublingly, these tactics have been successful. In 2025, the group forced the Equality and Human Rights Commission to abandon their office in Vauxhall due to violent protests. The group have also allegedly targeted the constituency office of Wes Streeting MP and recently shared a hammer graphic after the murder of Ann Widdecombe. This Assembly condemns the group and its vile tactics and declares that no member of this Assembly will endorse or support its actions.

This Assembly notes the words of Lord Walney, the Government’s former adviser on political violence, who said that Bash Back “deserves far more serious attention than it has so far received’, and that ministers should consider proscribing the group.

This Assembly believes that political debate must be free from physical threats, violence and criminal damage, and that allowing extremism to go unchecked opens the door to further violent conduct and puts the public at risk.

This Assembly calls on the Mayor to write to the Home Secretary, asking her to consider what urgent action can be taken against Bash Back to keep Londoners and the UK public safe, and to ask her to seriously consider its proscription.” 

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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