Extension of police powers to intervene in protests is unlawful, rules UK court

The 2023 Public Order Act broadened the definition of “serious disruption” from “significant” and “prolonged” disturbance to individuals or an organisation to “more than minor”.

Authorities introduced the changes by a process called statutory instrument, which faces less scrutiny, after Parliament rejected them earlier.

The measures targeted environmental activists who have staged disruptive protests in recent years on busy highways and roads in the UK and beyond to raise awareness about the urgency of climate change.

Suella Braverman, the home secretary at the time, told lawmakers last year that the measures would allow ordinary people to drive or get to work on time free from obstruction from a “selfish minority”.

Two judges ruled Tuesday that the Home Office acted outside of its powers and failed to carry out a fair consultation process. Akiko Hart, Liberty’s director, said the ruling was a “huge victory for democracy”.

“These dangerous powers were rejected by Parliament yet still sneaked through the back door with the clear intention of stopping protesters that the government did not personally agree with,” Hart said.

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