Police powers to tackle protest tactics come into effect
New measures aimed at curbing protest methods often used by environmental groups have come into effect.
The Home Office says the Public Order Act 2023 will target "a selfish minority" but critics argue they threaten the right to protest.Under the new laws, those found guilty of tunnelling or "being present in a tunnel to cause serious disruption" could be jailed for up to three years. The digging of makeshift tunnels has been used for many years as a form of protest, against projects such as the building of the HS2 rail project, as well as by groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the heightened measures will target "selfish protesters" who cause "mayhem" on the streets.Despite the enhanced measures, environmental groups have continued to take action, includingin central London in a protest against one of the event's sponsors.
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