Police in England and Wales are gearing up for tougher action against disruptive protests. New powers will let officers clamp down on repeat demonstrations that drag on and cause havoc for local communities.
Clampdown on Repeat Protests
Under fresh laws, senior police officers can now consider the “cumulative impact” of protests when deciding whether to impose restrictions. If a protest keeps popping up at the same spot, stirring trouble week after week, cops can order organisers to move or face arrest.
Anyone breaking these new conditions risks prosecution. The government is also reviewing current protest laws to plug any loopholes, including those in the Crime and Policing Bill now making its way through Parliament.
Home Secretary Warns on Protesting Limits
“The right to protest is a fundamental freedom in our country. However, this freedom must be balanced with the freedom of their neighbours to live their lives without fear,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
“Large, repeated protests can leave sections of our country, particularly religious communities, feeling unsafe, intimidated and scared to leave their homes. This has been particularly evident in relation to the considerable fear within the Jewish community, which has been expressed to me on many occasions in these recent difficult days.”
“These changes mark an important step in ensuring we protect the right to protest while ensuring all feel safe in this country.”
Government Bolsters Community Safety
The government will amend the Public Order Act 1986 to explicitly empower police to weigh the ongoing disruption of frequent protests when setting conditions. More details are expected soon.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones recently visited Lambeth police HQ following protests that led to nearly 500 arrests, many linked to the proscribed group Palestine Action. She praised the Met’s response and explored new tech like live facial recognition to help future policing.
Protecting Vulnerable Communities
- Authorities are urging local councils to use their powers to shield Jewish communities in the wake of the recent Yom Kippur terrorist attack in Manchester.
- All police forces are working with the Community Security Trust to support 538 synagogues and Jewish sites nationwide.
- The Crime and Policing Bill introduces bans on fireworks and flares at protests, criminalises climbing war memorials, and forbids face coverings to conceal identities at certain protests.
With these stronger powers, the government aims to balance the right to protest with the right of communities to live free from fear and disruption.
