A UK minister said pro-Palestinian marches have been hijacked by those with harmful intentions, but argued that new protest restrictions must still respect the fundamental right to demonstrate. Alex Davies-Jones made the comments as the government weighs tighter controls on public assemblies following recent unrest. The statement reflects tension between maintaining public order and preserving civil liberties. Davies-Jones did not specify which groups or incidents she considered hijackings, nor did she detail what form additional restrictions might take. The remarks come amid broader debate in Parliament over protest powers, with some lawmakers calling for stronger measures against disruptive demonstrations while others warn against eroding protest rights. The government has faced pressure from multiple sides: those concerned about safety at large gatherings and civil rights advocates protective of assembly freedoms. Davies-Jones positioned her comments as seeking middle ground, acknowledging legitimate concerns without endorsing sweeping bans. The balance between security and protest rights remains contested in UK politics, with no clear consensus on where that line should fall.