Chris, to quote from the Government website -

"The right to peaceful protest is a vital part of democracy, and it has a long, distinguished history in the UK. .

Taking part in a demonstration, rally or protest is a high-profile way to take a stand on issues important to you.

Protests can make a real difference – leading to changes in governmental policies and laws.

Peaceful protests allow people to come together and stand up for what they believe in, and can be a very effective way of promoting change

The Human Rights Act protects freedom of expression and freedom of assembly – these form the basis for your right to gather with others and protest.

The act forbids governments and other public bodies (including police) from violating these rights.
However, it does allow for some limitations on these rights in order to prevent unrest, violence and crime, and for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Police have a duty to provide protection and assistance for peaceful protests,

A sit-down protest or a blockade – even a peaceful one – can be stopped if it blocks road traffic or public walkways. Any racist chants or threats of violence – even in an otherwise peaceful protest – are not acceptable, and those involved could be arrested and charged."


Please note 'CAN be stopped'
Despite the very heavy police presence with several vans and five mounted police the road blockade remained without challenge
There were never any threats of violence against the few BNP 'spectators' despite the large difference in numerical strength.

Those few protesters that chose later to disrupt the otherwise peaceful nature of the protest were duly arrested - I have no problems with that; I would expect the police to do the same to BNP supporters who engaged in racist chants etc or other forms of anti-social behaviour.