I note your concerns about the powers contained in the legislation in relation to protests. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are vital rights that I wholeheartedly support, and I can assure you that the Government is clear that the right of an individual to express their opinion and protest is a cornerstone of our democratic society.
However, there has to be a balance between the rights of a protestor and those of individuals to go about their daily business. Some demonstrations have caused unjustifiable disruption and distress to other citizens, for example, during the recent climate protests.
While the responsibility for the maintenance of public order lies with the police, including operational decisions, we must ensure they have the right powers available to them to manage protests appropriately. The PCSC Act therefore enhances the police’s ability to manage protests, to allow essential services to continue unabated, and to ensure the day-to-day lives of the overwhelming majority are not disrupted by a selfish minority.
Following consideration from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the PCSC Act, amongst other provisions, widens the range of conditions that the police can impose on public assemblies to match that available to processions, broadens the range of circumstances in which the police may impose conditions on a protest, and increases the maximum penalty for wilfully obstructing a highway. I am confident that the measures in the legislation allow the police to take a more proactive approach to managing highly disruptive protests causing misery to the public.
You may be pleased to know that during the Act's passage through Parliament, the Government amended the legislation to commit Ministers to conduct a post-legislative review two years from which the public order measures came into force. This will ensure Parliament continues to have an active role in assessing the legislation's effectiveness and impact on protests in the years ahead.
Ministers have also brought forward a new Public Order Bill, complementary to the measures in the PCSC Act, which seeks to put a stop to relentless reoffending and significant disruption caused by a selfish minority of protesters. I will be sure to follow this legislation's progression through Parliament closely.