> they're not doing this to protect people, they're doing this to ensure there cannot be rebellion against unpopular policies

Yup. There is a huge amount of resentment about handouts for pensioners, a lot of disagreement with any kind of new 'islamophobia law', anger about actual and perceived reneging on pre-election promises, still a lot of anti asylum-seeker sentiment, anger about grooming/rape gangs etc.

And Labour are worried about Reform making big gains again in local elections next year.