Equal Standards for All Public‑Space Users in the UK
The Issue
A national call for fairness, consistency, and non‑discriminatory public‑space rules
Across the UK, councils are introducing new rules for amplified sound, public expression, busking, charity collections, community events, and campaigning. These activities share the same public spaces — and they should be governed by the same standards.
But right now, they are not.
In some towns and cities, councils are applying unequal rules to different groups. Buskers may be allowed to perform for hours, while campaigners or faith groups are told to move on after minutes. Charity collectors may use amplification, while others are banned from it entirely. In some areas, individuals have even been challenged or arrested because of the content of their speech — not their behaviour.
Public spaces belong to everyone. And public‑space rules must apply equally to everyone.
This petition calls on local authorities across the UK to adopt clear, fair, universal standards for all public‑facing activities, including:
- busking
- campaigning
- charity collections
- community events
- faith‑based activities
- protest and political expression
- council‑run events
What we are asking for
We call on councils to:
- Apply the same volume, duration, movement, and obstruction rules to all groups.
- Ensure enforcement is non‑discriminatory and based on behaviour, not content.
-
Publish clear, accessible public‑space guidelines that treat all users fairly.
-
Work with equality bodies, civil liberties groups, and community organisations to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
-
Protect lawful public expression — including artistic, charitable, political, and faith‑based expression — within consistent, reasonable standards.
Why this matters
Public spaces are where communities come together. They are where people raise awareness, share culture, express belief, perform music, support charities, and speak about issues that matter.
When rules are applied unequally, it creates confusion, conflict, and mistrust. When rules are applied fairly, it creates safety, clarity, and community.
This petition is not about defending noise. It is not about defending any particular message. It is not about defending any particular group.
It is about equal treatment.
It is about fairness.
It is about public‑space equality.
If you believe that everyone — regardless of their activity, message, or identity — should be treated equally in public spaces, please add your name.
Together, we can ensure that public‑space rules across the UK are fair, consistent, and respectful of everyone’s rights.
Sign the petition.
Stand for equality.
Stand for fairness.
Stand for public‑space rights.
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The Issue
A national call for fairness, consistency, and non‑discriminatory public‑space rules
Across the UK, councils are introducing new rules for amplified sound, public expression, busking, charity collections, community events, and campaigning. These activities share the same public spaces — and they should be governed by the same standards.
But right now, they are not.
In some towns and cities, councils are applying unequal rules to different groups. Buskers may be allowed to perform for hours, while campaigners or faith groups are told to move on after minutes. Charity collectors may use amplification, while others are banned from it entirely. In some areas, individuals have even been challenged or arrested because of the content of their speech — not their behaviour.
Public spaces belong to everyone. And public‑space rules must apply equally to everyone.
This petition calls on local authorities across the UK to adopt clear, fair, universal standards for all public‑facing activities, including:
- busking
- campaigning
- charity collections
- community events
- faith‑based activities
- protest and political expression
- council‑run events
What we are asking for
We call on councils to:
- Apply the same volume, duration, movement, and obstruction rules to all groups.
- Ensure enforcement is non‑discriminatory and based on behaviour, not content.
-
Publish clear, accessible public‑space guidelines that treat all users fairly.
-
Work with equality bodies, civil liberties groups, and community organisations to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
-
Protect lawful public expression — including artistic, charitable, political, and faith‑based expression — within consistent, reasonable standards.
Why this matters
Public spaces are where communities come together. They are where people raise awareness, share culture, express belief, perform music, support charities, and speak about issues that matter.
When rules are applied unequally, it creates confusion, conflict, and mistrust. When rules are applied fairly, it creates safety, clarity, and community.
This petition is not about defending noise. It is not about defending any particular message. It is not about defending any particular group.
It is about equal treatment.
It is about fairness.
It is about public‑space equality.
If you believe that everyone — regardless of their activity, message, or identity — should be treated equally in public spaces, please add your name.
Together, we can ensure that public‑space rules across the UK are fair, consistent, and respectful of everyone’s rights.
Sign the petition.
Stand for equality.
Stand for fairness.
Stand for public‑space rights.
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Petition created on 23 October 2026