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The Government’s controversial adviser on political extremism, who was initially appointed by Boris Johnson’s Government, was only meant to remain in post for just six months, Byline Times can reveal – yet still holds the role four years on.
This outlet has obtained the job description for Lord Walney – former Labour MP John Woodcock – who was recruited to his post in 2021 after Woodcock had backed Johnson in the 2019 General Election.
Documents obtained from the Home Office under Freedom of Information laws show that Woodcock was hired solely to write a report to boost the UK Government’s “understanding of the challenge posed by the Far-Left, Far-Right and other fringe political groups in the UK”.
The role was due to last for just 6 months, formally beginning in March 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic led to its extension.
The role was then set to formally “restart on 23 November 2020 and finish upon satisfactory completion of the final report.”
However, Woodcock did not complete his report until May 2024, under Rishi Sunak’s administration, yet somehow continues in his role, despite the report having been completed last year.
It means Woodcock has held the post for four years beyond its initial duration – in which time Woodcock has used his platform to criticise protesters, landing front pages on newspapers like The Telegraph.
Despite Woodcock’s job description not focusing on protests, the push for clampdowns on protest rights became a main theme of his report, amid a surge in pro-Palestine and climate activism. It called for greater surveillance of protesters, and making protest organisers financially liable for damages, for “individuals and businesses who can evidence significant personal harm or economic damage” from “illegal” protests.
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It also 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”.
The official Home Office background for the role, unearthed via FoI, states: “A thriving culture of political engagement and activism, including responsible and orderly protest, is an important aspect of a well-functioning democracy.
“However, modern societies also have a duty to protect their citizens against violence and other disruption which impacts on their ability to go about their lives.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity for the Far Left and the Far Right to exploit fear and tension within and between communities. The Independent Adviser will consider the nexus point between political activism and criminal behaviour, and how such activities might undermine the well-being and cohesiveness of society.
“The Independent Adviser should also seek to understand the ways in which such groups influence British citizens and how the UK context compares with that overseas.”
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The report was jointly commissioned by No.10 and the Home Office, with the Home Office providing funding for an external staff member to support the Independent Adviser part time, “to the cost of £23,139.61”.
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.
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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.
Hannah Greer, campaigns manager for Good Law Project, told this newspaper: “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”.
Lord Walney and the Home Office were contacted for comment.
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Good Law Project’s Letter to Home Office in Full
Dear Home Secretary,
RE: Independent advisor on political violence and disruption role
Further to our letter to you on 10th October, I am writing to you to request an update on whether the Home Office has reached a decision on the future of the independent advisor on political violence and disruption role, currently occupied by Lord Walney.
Lord Walney’s latest declaration to the House of Lords register of interests indicates that he is still in place in this advisory role.
The latest publicly available update issued on this is that the advisor role has been placed under review as part of the Home Office’s counter-extremism sprint. As I understand, the sprint has been completed and the report and its recommendations are being weighed up by ministers.
However, in the Policy Exchange’s recently published analysis of the leaked report, there was no reference to a recommendation pertaining to the independent advisor role. It is notable that Lord Walney will not have a place on the new Counter Extremism Ministerial Board.
Can you now clarify what – if any – recommendations have been in the counter-extremism sprint about the independent advisor on political violence and disruption role?
I also have some further questions about Lord Walney’s position after having looked at the terms of reference for the independent advisor on political violence and disruption role.
The terms of reference states that Lord Walney was obliged to declare his conflicts of interest to the Director of OSCT Prevent immediately.
Lord Walney has declared his external employment with The Purpose Coalition (Crowne Associates) and Rud Pedersen to the House of Lords.
● However, can you confirm if he disclosed the client base of both companies – some of whom are involved in the energy and defence industries – to the Director of OSCT Prevent?
The document also indicates that the role was due to be terminated after a six month period in 2021, following Lord Walney’s delivery of a report on “Far-right and Far-left activities” “related to terrorism and other forms of criminality” during the pandemic.
● Can you outline why Lord Walney’s tenure has so far been extended four years beyond this?
The Home Office has also confirmed that it has funded an external staff member to support Lord Walney’s advisory work.
● Is the department aware that [it appears] this staff member currently also work for Crowne Associates which has had energy and defence clients on its list?
Many thanks in advance for your help with this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Hannah Greer
Campaigns Manager, Good Law Project
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