Protest laws in the UK have changed

Posted: 14th May 2023

Protest laws in the UK have changed. Key parts of the Public Order Act – the Government’s most recent anti-protest legislation – have now come into force.

These include new restrictions on how we can protest, and a new definition of ‘serious disruption’ that makes it easier for protesters to be arrested.

Liberty has created new guidance to help you and your friends understand these laws and keep protesting safely and effectively.

Make sure you’re up to speed – read our latest guidance on protest rights.

NEW PROTEST ADVICE →

Protest isn’t a gift from the State – it’s a fundamental right. In a functioning democracy, everyone must be free to stand up to power and challenge injustice.

But as the events of last weekend show, the Government has put this principle under serious threat.

The arrest of dozens of republican protesters in London on the day of King Charles’ coronation is a deeply disturbing development for anyone who values fundamental human rights.1

NEW PROTEST ADVICE →

These arrests demonstrate the danger of handing police broad powers to crack down on people who are simply exercising freedoms of speech and assembly.

This is not an accident. The Government’s Public Order Act was designed to criminalise increasingly wide ranges of protest activity, in ways that are ripe for abuse. It’s yet another attempt to shut down ways people can hold it accountable for its actions.

Make sure you’re in the know – click below to read how the Public Order Act affects protest rights.

NEW PROTEST ADVICE →

Every single social advancement we’ve had in this country has been on the back of protest. It is vital that we keep standing up for what we believe in, and that we are free to do so.

Whatever campaigns you are involved in – keep organising, keep protesting, and make sure you know your rights by accessing up-to-date Liberty guidance.

We’ll keep adding more advice on other parts of the Public Order Act as they come into force – including new and expanded stop & search powers and ‘Serious Disruption Prevention Orders’. You’ll find all that advice here.

Best wishes,

Callum Lynch


Find out more – call Caroline on 01722 321865 or email us.