New measures to curb ‘disruptive’ protests despite criticism

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Concerns have been raised about the potential threat these tougher laws pose to the right to protest (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

New measures to crack down on environmental activists will come into effect from Sunday July 2, as the government aims to curb disruptive tactics used by activists.

The new measures include giving expanded powers to British Transport Police and Ministry of Defense Police to move static protests, a common strategy employed by activist groups like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion.

The Home Office defended its decision, citing the need to free up police resources and minimize “chaos” on the streets.

One of the main changes is the introduction of a criminal offense for digging tunnels, a tactic frequently used by environmental activists.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Home Office said the need to free up police resources is one of the reasons behind the new rules

The Home Office said the need to free up police resources is one of the reasons behind the new rules (Image: Rebecca Speare-Cole/PA Wire)

Those found guilty of digging a tunnel or being present in a tunnel to cause serious disturbance could face a maximum prison sentence of three years.

Additionally, transporting equipment for tunneling or obstructing major transportation works could result in a maximum penalty of six months in prison.

The Home Office justified the measures by pointing to the cost to taxpayers caused by tunneling in places like HS2 construction sites.

From Sunday, obstructing the construction or maintenance of future transport networks will be considered illegal.

However, critics have expressed concerns about the potential threat these tougher laws pose to the right to protest.

They argue that these measures limit democratic expression and limit activists’ ability to push for change.

What did Suella Braverman say about the new measures?

Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, defended the new measures as they would “allow people to go about their daily lives”.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Suella Braverman says public is fed up with ‘selfish protesters’

Suella Braverman said the public had had enough of ‘selfish protesters’ (Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

She added: The public is tired of having their lives disrupted by selfish protesters. The chaos we saw on our streets was a scandal.

That’s why I’ve given our police the powers they need to act quickly and crack down on these protesters determined to disrupt people’s lives.

She said the changes that would come into effect on Sunday would also ensure the protection of journalists who report on the protests so they can carry out their important role without fear of arrest.

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