A proposed law will give the police the authority to interrupt “go-slow” protests before they generate havoc.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated yesterday night that the planned crackdown would put an end to the use of new ‘guerrilla tactics’ by eco-extremists such as Just Stop Oil.
The measure, according to him, would strike a better balance between the freedom to demonstrate and “the rights of the hard-working majority to go about their daily business.”
In recent weeks, climate protestors have expanded their strategy to include slowing traffic to a crawl with walking rallies on busy city streets.
A bill suggested by ministers would give police the authority to halt “go-slow” demonstrations before they generate havoc.
Last month, Just Stop Oil activists conducted walking protests during rush hour in London, blocking three lanes on both sides of the A2 in Southwark before conducting a similar blockage in the City.
In the coming days, according to Downing Street, an amendment to the Public Order Bill will be introduced.
This will widen the legal definition of’serious disruption,’ providing the police with greater authority and clarity regarding when to interfere.
Under the proposed change, if officers determine that a slow walk could cause significant disruption, they can stop it before chaos ensues. First, they will be allowed to impose limitations on the slow stroll, such as requiring that it proceed on the sidewalk.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated yesterday night that the planned crackdown would put an end to the use of new ‘guerrilla tactics’ by eco-extremists such as Just Stop Oil.
If protesters refuse to disperse, cops could remove them. The goal would be to respond to possible incidents within minutes rather than hours.
Police will now be able to assess the cumulative impact of a succession of protests by the same group, rather than treating them as separate events. This includes tactics aimed to cause repeated disruptions over the course of days or weeks.
The right to protest is a vital element of our democracy, but it is not absolute, as stated by Mr. Sunak. It is necessary to strike a balance between the rights of individuals and the rights of the hard-working majority to conduct their daily affairs.
Last year’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act was meant to limit disruptive protests by boosting fines.
Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, stated that he ‘welcomed’ the proposal now being debated in the House of Lords. He stated, “In practical terms, if Parliament provides such clarity, the police will have a clearer line to enforce when protests interfere with those who simply wish to conduct lawful business.”
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