What's the point of political protests outside Westminster?

The British politics podcast Westminster Insider asks what street protests mean today. Host Sascha O'Sullivan discusses the topic with long-time activist Peter Tatchell, who has participated in countless protests spanning Palestine to Brexit.

The UK Parliament at Westminster has witnessed thousands of protests over the years-on climate, Palestine, the Iraq War, Brexit. Now the podcast Westminster Insider asks: is marching in the street actually any use?

This week, host Sascha O'Sullivan discusses the purpose of Whitehall protests with Peter Tatchell, one of Britain's most renowned activists who has taken part in countless campaigns across decades. Tatchell is known for his forthright approach, never hesitating to stand alone against the leaders of powerful nations and large corporations.

Westminster politicians have largely grown numb to the protest cycle; the angry shouts of crowds outside Parliament's gates have become routine. Yet activists maintain that public pressure has repeatedly sparked change throughout history.

The question is not unique to the British context. Across the Western world, people debate whether mass protests can truly influence government decisions or whether they are primarily symbolic acts that allow people to express frustration without tangible political impact.