Activists from Animal Rising were arrested before being able to disrupt the Epsom Derby on 5 June. Members of the group sought to gain access to the racecourse despite an injunction from the Jockey Club prohibiting protests. Several activists were reportedly pursued and handcuffed by police as spectators shouted abuse and insults. The group had pledged to “cancel or severely postpone” the event. In a statement issued following the event, Animal Rising claimed to have successfully disrupted the Derby. In April, at the Grand National at Aintree, activists also gained access to the course, causing a delay to the event as they were removed.
Analysis: Animal rights activism on the rise
The escalation of animal rights activism across Europe became clear in mid-May in France, where 400 activists organised a blockade of one of the country’s largest slaughterhouses for 15 hours. Two weeks later, in the UK, Animal Rebellion chained themselves to a conveyor belt in order to halt production at a meat factory run by Nestlé.
Animal rights activists have long been a feature of political and moral debates. They argue that the interests of animals’ welfare should be given priority over human interests and seek to disrupt industries and organisations they see as having a negative impact on animal welfare.
Some consider that the discourse of animal rights is flawed, unpersuasive, or unrealistic. Some argue that the prioritisation of animal interests over human is morally questionable, as human interests rely on animal exploitation. Others argue that animal welfare should be improved, but that some economic activities involving animals are necessary, particularly those involving animals which are treated ethically and humanely.
Regardless of the opinions of those involved in the debate, it is clear that the level of activist activity surrounding animal welfare issues is on the rise. This is particularly true in areas of the UK where unemployment rates are high, leading to an increase in the number of people reliant on benefits thinks to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the jobs market and an increase in disillusionment with mainstream politics.
Analysis: The UK’s social media regulation threat
Proposals to reduce the harms caused by social media and online platforms are a growing area of concern globally, and the UK is a growing example of this trend. In April 2019, the UK published its Online Harms white paper, which included proposals to create a regulator that would require social media companies to tackle child exploitation, terrorism, and cyberbullying. The white paper also proposed that Ofcom, the current media regulator, would oversee the new regulator. No formal legislation has yet been introduced.
However, concerns are growing about the impact of any new regulation on free speech and the civil liberties of UK citizens. To date, most people and organisations have focused on the negative impacts of social media on mental health, well-being, and societal values. Yet, the rights of social media users to express themselves and share information without censorship or controls have yet to be fully explored.
Proposals to regulate social media will likely continue to generate heated discussions as security fears clash with civil liberties. As long as new legislation remains in the planning stages, and the full impact of regulation is unknown, it is likely that there will be pressure from both sides of the debate.
Looking ahead
The continued escalation of animal rights activism, combined with growing calls for regulation of social media and online platforms, suggests that the debate over civil liberties and regulatory oversight will remain a high priority on political and moral agendas in the UK and beyond. It remains to be seen how policymakers and civil society groups will develop effective responses to these challenges.
