London Church Overcomes Council’s Street Preaching Ban

July 21, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

A Christian church in Uxbridge, northwest London, has won a major legal battle after challenging a council order that restricted street preaching and gospel outreach.

The Kingsborough Centre took legal action against Hillingdon Council after the local authority introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that criminalized public preaching with amplification, handing out Christian literature, and displaying scripture in public areas.

The order, enforced in August 2023, allowed officials to issue £100 fines to anyone breaching the new restrictions in Uxbridge town center.

Backed by the Christian Legal Centre, the church argued that the order went too far. They said it targeted peaceful religious expression and undermined fundamental freedoms. Shortly after the PSPO was announced, police reportedly warned members of the church to stop sharing gospel tracts and to turn Bible posters away from public view.

The church launched a legal challenge, claiming the order was imposed without proper public consultation. Their lawyers said the restrictions unfairly impacted those with religious beliefs and violated human rights protections.

The High Court granted permission for a judicial review. But before the case could proceed, Hillingdon Council decided to withdraw several of the restrictions.

In a formal statement, the council said it would update the PSPO to allow religious and charitable leafletting. It also plans to remove the bans on using microphones and placing Christian materials on the street.

The council has agreed to cover the church’s legal fees and promised to publish a revised version of the order soon for public feedback.

Reacting to the news, Pastor Babatunde Balogun of the Kingsborough Centre said the decision brought great relief.

“We are grateful. The rules stopped us from sharing the gospel freely,” he said. “We hope there will be clear guidance now, so no one faces penalties for preaching or spreading hope in public.”

Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, welcomed the reversal. She said the case should serve as a warning to other councils across the UK.

“It is alarming how often street preachers face hostility. But sharing faith is not anti-social. It is part of Britain’s history of free speech,” she said.

Williams urged churches and Christian groups to remain alert to similar measures that could threaten their freedoms.