Archive link Written by Josiah Mortimer

Keir Starmer’s Government has abolished the role of Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption, with the controversial appointee Lord Walney, aka John Woodcock no longer working for the Government as of tomorrow, Byline Times can reveal.

Woodcock, who is a former Labour MP, was appointed by Boris Johnson’s Government to the position in order to lead a review into tackling political extremism.

However, he was criticised by civil liberties groups after publishing his report under Rishi Sunak’s administration, in which he called for draconian new anti-protest measures, while also being a paid lobbyist for firms with arms industry and fossil fuel clients.

This week Byline Times revealed that Lord Walney’s role was only meant to last six months – but had been held by him since 2021, long after he completed his official report in May 2024.

Walney’s former responsibilities will be transferred to a new expanded Commissioner for Counter-Extremism role, as part of a wider reorganisation of how protest and extremism are monitored.

In a statement, Home Office Minister, Dan Jarvis thanked Walney for his work and confirmed they would now be seeking a candidate for the new role.

As part of the shakeup, the Home Office also confirmed that Conservative-appointed adviser Robin Simcox, the Government’s Commissioner for Countering Extremism (CCE) would also need to reapply for the newly expanded job when it comes up for renewal in July, with the role being advertised for open competition.

Last March, some Jewish Londoners and pro-Gaza campaigners slapped down Simcox’s claim that London had become a “no-go zone for Jews” during the weekly pro-Palestine marches.

Calling for tougher action against the Palestine protests, Government anti-extremism tsar Robin Simcox told the Telegraph: “We will not have become an authoritarian state if London is no longer permitted to be turned into a no-go zone for Jews every weekend… All these things and more have become normalised in the UK.” His comments dominated the paper’s Friday front page and led the BBC’s agenda. Simcox, a right-wing think tanker, was seen as close to the Conservative Party.

In a statement, Home Office Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “To continue our fight against extremism and terrorism in whatever form they take we need expert advice and oversight. The role holders will be crucial in those efforts, and I look forward to working with the successful candidates.

“I would also like to thank Lord Walney and Robin Simcox for their work in their respective roles as Independent Advisor on Political Violence and Disruption and as Commissioner for Countering Extremism.”

Lord Walney worked closely with the last Conservative Government after backing Boris Johnson for Prime Minister in 2019. He had left the Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn amid an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, which he denied.

The Home Office also confirmed that the role of the current Counter-Extremism Commissioner will be expanded to incorporate parts of the Home Office’s ‘Prevent’ anti-extremism programme from Lord Walney. Simcox’s term ends in July.

Byline Times understands Simcox would be able to apply for the new expanded counter-extremism role.

Civil liberties groups have previously expressed concern about the increasing overlap between counter-terrorism powers and the policing of peaceful protest.

The changes mean that after today Woodcock will no longer have any Government responsibilities.

The Background

Walney’s 2024 report called for the Government to “expand the grounds on which a police force can recommend a march is not permitted to go ahead,” implement a blanket ban on face coverings at protests and extend anti-terrorism agencies’ role in policing protest.

It even called for forces to issue guidance on “statements, chants, or symbols that, in the context of a political protest, may constitute a [criminal] offence”.

Woodcock’s role itself is unpaid, with the independent peer earning income through his own lobbying roles with The Purpose Coalition (part of lobbying firm Crowne Associates) and lobbyists Rud Pedersen. Crowne Associates reports having clients in the private healthcare and transport sectors.

Woodcock’s own declaration of interests shows he was the paid chairman of the Purpose Defence Coalition, members of which include Leonardo, one of the world’s largest arms manufacturers, with “extensive links” to Israel’s military. His official report called for tough clampdowns on direct action groups such as Palestine Action, which had targeted defence firms. He was also paid adviser for the Purpose Business Coalition, members of which include fossil fuel giant BP.

Woodcock remains a senior adviser to lobbyists Rud Pederson, clients of which include the fossil fuel commodities giant, Glencore. Glencore has been the target of climate protests in recent years for its role in the coal, oil and gas industries.

The peer’s Government role is officially up for review under a domestic counter-terrorism ‘sprint’ review launched when Labour came to office last July. But there has been no update since the election. Until today.

Hannah Greer, campaigns manager for Good Law Project, told this newspaper earlier this week: “The Home Office told us and MPs that a decision over Lord Walney’s independent advisory role will be made with the completion of the counter-extremism sprint. However, months later and even after the leaking of some of the findings of the sprint, there’s been no update.

“We’ve now written to the Home Office again to demand an answer and to highlight yet more questions surrounding his conflicts of interest, on the back of new information unearthed by Byline Times”.