Political commentator Aaron Bastani has issued a stark warning about Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, describing him as a "very, very dangerous man" who could quickly become "authoritarian".
Speaking on GB News, Bastani expressed deep concerns about potential restrictions on protest rights under Starmer's leadership.
"I think he's a very, very dangerous man and I think he'd be a very authoritarian man very quickly," Bastani said.
The commentator warned that attempts to criminalise protest could lead down a "slippery slope".
Aaron Bastani is fearful of Keir Starmer cracking down on protests
GB NEWS / PA
The warning comes amid recent protests in London that saw significant police intervention.
Just days ago, 77 protesters were arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London.
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Pro-Palestine protesters have taken to the streets of London PAThe Metropolitan Police said the arrests followed "a coordinated effort to breach Public Order Act conditions and cause serious disruption to Londoners".
The demonstration, which took place on the eve of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, was confined to a static rally in Whitehall after police rejected the organisers' initially proposed route.
It marked the largest number of arrests at such rallies since they began in October 2023.
Bastani defended the fundamental importance of protest rights, regardless of political stance.
The matter was discussed on GB News
GB NEWS
"The right to protest is only meaningful if it applies to people you disagree with," he told GB News.
He pointed to recent farmers' protests as an example of positive democratic expression.
"If you look at the recent farmers' protest, that was really powerful and positive in many ways to see so many people from around the country protesting their point of view and their rights at the heart of Government," he said.
He stressed that protest rights shouldn't be limited only to those whose views align with the authorities.
Bastani warned that restrictions on pro-Palestinian protesters could set a concerning precedent.
"If he's doing this to Palestinian protesters, who do you think is next?" he questioned.
The political commentator emphasised that protecting fundamental rights was crucial for everyone.
"I think everybody should care deeply about the rights of free speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of protest, because it won't stop here if this man is given a free hand," he said.
His comments highlight growing tensions between protest rights and public order enforcement in the capital.
