New measures aimed at tackling environmental protests have been implemented, granting expanded powers to the police and introducing a new criminal offence known as “tunnelling.”
The British Transport Police and the Ministry of Defence Police will now possess the authority to disperse static protests, a common strategy employed by campaigners. The Home Office stated that this move would enable officers to operate more efficiently, with Suella Braverman criticizing the “mayhem” caused by ongoing street demonstrations.
Environmental activist groups such as Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion have continued to organize protests and demonstrations, prompting ministers to seek enhanced public order powers to address the tactics employed by these groups.
As of July 2, individuals found guilty of tunnelling or “being present in a tunnel to cause serious disruption” may face a prison sentence of up to three years. Carrying equipment for tunnelling will be punishable by a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment, and obstructing major transport works can lead to the same punishment.
The Home Office argued that tunnelling activities, particularly at locations like HS2 construction sites, incurred costs for taxpayers. Consequently, obstructing the construction or maintenance of future transport networks is now considered illegal.
However, critics of the legislation raise concerns regarding its potential impact on the right to protest.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized the importance of allowing hardworking individuals to carry out their daily routines without disruption from a “selfish minority.” She highlighted that the Public Order Act was designed to enable people to go about their business smoothly and stressed the need to keep roads and people moving efficiently.
Braverman expressed the public’s frustration with the disruptions caused by protesters and referred to recent incidents as a “scandal.” She reaffirmed her commitment to empowering police officers with the necessary tools to swiftly respond and clamp down on those seeking to disrupt people’s lives.
Furthermore, the Home Secretary noted that the newly implemented changes would also ensure the protection of journalists reporting on protests, allowing them to fulfil their vital role without fear of arrest.
The introduction of these measures reflects the government’s efforts to strike a balance between safeguarding public order and respecting individuals’ right to protest, while simultaneously addressing concerns related to the economic impact and disruption caused by certain protest activities.
