Ann McGauran 10 May 2022

Queen's speech: Government brings back measures to stop protestors 'locking on'

Queens speech: Government brings back measures to stop protestors locking on  image
Image: Phil Phoenix / Shutterstock.com

Boris Johnson’s government will bring back measures thrown out by the House of Lords in January to stop protesters ‘locking on’ to infrastructure.

Today’s Queen’s Speech included confirmation that new legislation would be introduced to ‘ensure the police have the powers to make the streets safe’.

One of the aims of the public order bill, which was briefed by the Government yesterday, is to end tactics used by protest groups including Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain.

It comes after Thurrock BC  - alongside Essex CC – won an injunction at the end of last month against Just Stop Oil to prevent activists stopping vehicles at fuel terminals or blocking roads.

Legally, the council must provide details of the court order and supporting documents in all the locations named in it. But Thurrock was branded by Just Stop Oil as ‘irresponsible and unjust’ after it published the full names and addresses of the environmental protestors on lampposts and busstops throughout the area.

The council, which said that it had acted ‘completely lawfully’ in accordance with the court’s direction, has subsequently redacted the addresses.

According to the briefing on the public order bill, new measures will include criminal offences of locking on, and going equipped to lock on to others, objects or buildings – carrying a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

The speech, which was delivered by Prince Charles, also said the bill would ‘protect the integrity of the United Kingdom’s borders and ensure the safety of its people’.

He added: ‘Her Majesty’s ministers will take action to prevent dangerous and illegal Channel crossings and tackle the criminal gangs that profit from facilitating them.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner