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Protesters be warned – the law has changed

Published:

Freedom of expression and assembly now more restrictive under new laws

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (PCSC) received Royal Assent on 28th April 2022 which means it’s now law.

Part 3 of the PCSC gives police forces increased authority to place restrictions on protests and public assembly.

Under new police powers, police forces are permitted to place restrictions on protests deemed to constitute an existing offence of public nuisance. Restrictions in terms of duration and noise limits are also permitted.

Although, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly under articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, previously incorporated into domestic British law by the Human Rights Act, stricter restrictions to the right to protest in England and Wales are in now force courtesy of the PCSC.

If you are passionate about freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, it’s important that you know your rights and the new restrictions and offences now in force in England and Wales.

If you would like to speak with one of our lawyers in confidence, please contact the Public Defender Service at any one of our four offices. We are available 24hours a day, 365 days of the year.