LORD Walney has hit back at accusations by activists of a conflict of interest ahead of the publication of his review on political violence and disruption.

The peer, who served as the Furness MP for nine years as John Woodcock, has been criticised for alleged links lobbying links to companies that would benefit from curbs to certain protesting.

A report by the crossbench peer is expected to include proposals that could alter how activist groups - including climate change activists like Just Stop Oil and pro-Palestine groups - can protest.

Entries in the House of Lords’ register of interests show the peer is paid to chair the Purpose Business Coalition, an organisation run by the PR and lobbying firm Crowne Associates, which counts the oil company BP and the arms company Leonardo among its clients, reports said.

The register also shows he is a paid adviser to Rud Pedersen Public Affairs, another lobbying firm that acts for Glencore, a Swiss mining company with interests in coal, as well as Enwell Energy, which describes itself as 'a highly focused oil and gas business'.

It has been suggested these companies would welcome restrictions on protests, with Leanorda subjected to a campaign of protest by Palestine Action.

Tim Crosland, director of the climate justice charity Plan B, has accused Lord Walney of producing his report to 'serve the vested corporate interests he represents'.

While Palestine Action activists have said it would be a 'sham' for the Government to describe the peer as an 'independent advisor'.

However, responding to the accusations, Lord Walney said: “Over the three years that I have conducted this review I have consistently applied an objective standard and sought a wide range of perspectives, including through a formal call for evidence and analysis of public opinion through polling exercises.

“I now look forward to the publication of the independent analysis and recommendations in my extensive report.

"My non-parliamentary interests are declared as required and past positions held are a matter of record.”

Lord Walney said he submitted his 100,000-word report, entitled Protecting our Democracy from Coercion, to officials in December, following a delay so he could take into account mass protests in London relating to the conflict in Gaza.