Avon and Somerset Police have faced criticism over their decision not to pursue criminal charges against a man who wore a T-shirt at a Green Party rally in Bristol that featured imagery interpreted as a threat to Nigel Farage’s life. The force determined that no offence had been committed, citing the context of the T-shirt, which incorporated song lyrics and was marketed as satirical. Police also noted that no complaints were received from attendees, and there was no evidence the wearer intended to threaten or incite violence.
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police emphasized the force’s approach to handling such incidents, stating their priority is public safety and peacekeeping, not policing political views. The spokesman added that officers make decisions impartially, based on evidence and risk, and without discrimination.
This ruling has sparked accusations of inconsistency and a “two-tier” system of policing, especially when compared with other high-profile cases involving politically or socially sensitive expression. Several of these cases involved police actions taken by different forces and raised questions about the boundaries of lawful speech and protest.
Among these was the arrest of Dia Moodley, an evangelical pastor detained by Avon and Somerset Police in November 2025 after delivering a street sermon in Bristol critical of Islam and transgender ideology. Moodley faced suspicion of a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence and assault but was later released without further action after months of investigation.
In another case, Greater Manchester Police investigated a banner displayed during the 2019 Conservative Party conference showing effigies labeled “dead Tories” hanging from a bridge, amid heightened tensions over Brexit debate rhetoric. Although the banner’s message included claims of deaths under Tory governance, the investigation yielded no active leads.
Other incidents highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding policing speech and protests. Kate Scottow, a Hertfordshire mother, was initially convicted under the Communications Act 2003 in 2020 for calling a transgender woman names during an online dispute, though the conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal amid criticism of the judge’s rationale.
Similarly, a retired Kent special constable, Julian Foulkes, was cautioned in 2023 after police misinterpreted his social media remarks about anti-Semitism and pro-Palestinian protesters. Foulkes was detained, searched, and held for eight hours on suspicion of malicious communications before accepting a caution to avoid further complications. Kent Police later acknowledged the caution was mistaken and withdrew it in 2025.
In November 2024, police also visited Allison Pearson, a columnist, to notify her of an investigation into an earlier social media post suspected of stirring racial hatred. The police visit, which coincided with Remembrance Sunday, left Pearson feeling “bullied and harassed.” The Essex Police inquiry was ultimately dropped without charges.
Avon and Somerset Police maintained that while they cannot comment on other forces’ decisions, their own investigations into related matters resulted in no further action. The force reiterated its commitment to assessing reports fairly and focusing on protecting the public rather than policing political views.