Summary
Police in England and Wales will get new powers to control repeated protests. They will consider the overall effect of previous protests when deciding if a protest should be allowed at a specific location. This change comes after recent events, including the arrest of nearly 500 protesters and a deadly attack on a synagogue.
Key Facts
- Police will receive the authority to restrict protests that occur repeatedly in the same place.
- The Home Office said police can consider the "cumulative impact" of past protests.
- Breaching these conditions may result in arrest and legal action.
- Additional police support is being provided to 538 synagogues and Jewish sites in England and Wales following a recent synagogue attack.
- These new powers are being fast-tracked by the government.
- The Home Secretary emphasized balancing the right to protest with public safety.
- A review of protest laws is planned to ensure they are adequate and applied consistently.
- Most protest arrests are linked to support for the banned group Palestine Action.
