WESTMINSTER BRIEFING
Today is the Second Reading of the Public Order Bill. The Bill aims to change the way protests are policed by:
Expanding protest related offences: the Bill would introduce four new criminal offences related to disruptive protest including “locking-on”; being equipped to “lock-on”; obstructing major transport works; and interfering with key national infrastructure.
Extending police stop and search powers: the Bill would provide the police with new powers to stop and search people for items related to specified protest-related offences.
Introducing a new preventative court order: the Bill would create Serious Disruption Prevention Orders aimed at people who repeatedly engage in disruptive protest activity. The orders would be issued with conditions to prevent individuals from being in particular places or with particular people or from participating in certain activities.
