Peers deal several blows to government’s anti-protest bill | House of Lords

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A government bill aimed at quelling protests suffered a number of setbacks in the House of Lords, setting the stage for a tense showdown between the two houses of parliament.

Peers inflicted a number of defeats on the broad public order bill, which aims to curb guerrilla tactics used by protest groups.

The bill’s first defeat came in the House of Lords when the peers voted by 22 (243-221) in favor of a higher threshold before police could intervene in protests.

This means that a stricter definition of “dangerous disorder” is needed to prevent protests by groups such as Just Stop Oil, Insulate Britain and Extinction Rebellion.

Their tactics included blocking roads during peak periods.

Labor peer Vernon Coker, who advocates for a higher mark before the law’s provisions take effect, said: “We are going to pass legislation here where protests that we all consider reasonable, which we all consider acceptable, will be illegal.”

In response, Home Secretary Andrew Sharp said: “What we’re trying to ascertain is the point at which protesters can disrupt the lives of the general public. The government’s position is clear – we’re on the side of the public.”

“The government wants to protect the rights of the public to go about their daily lives without hindrance or impediment.”

Another defeat came as a government-backed move to prevent a protest over a “current debate issue” being used as a reasonable defence, and it was narrowly rejected by 224 votes to 221. That part of the legislation cited offenses such as blocking, tunneling and road blocking.

The defeats set the stage for a row between the unelected House and the House of Commons over the proposed law, known as Parliamentary Table Tennis.

The debate came on a dramatic day in the House of Lords, as 12 Extinction Rebellion protesters disrupted proceedings, prompting a temporary adjournment.

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The demonstrators wore T-shirts with the slogan “Defend Human Rights”, and were accompanied by doormen and security staff.

No arrests were made and the activists later released footage of the protest.

Extinction Rebellion protester Marion Malcher, 67, of Woking, told PA Media: “This draconian legislation severely violates our human right to peaceful protest.

“I have never in my life seen a government push through such oppressive laws with such a low threshold for criminality.”

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