Campaigners warn proposals being voted on in Commons are threat to ‘long and legitimate history’ of peaceful action
Labour MPs are among those planning to vote against a move to restrict protest outside animal breeding and testing facilities by reclassifying them as “key national infrastructure”, amid fresh concerns about the criminalisation of peaceful protest.
The government proposal to amend the Public Order Act 2023 using a statutory instrument (SI) has been criticised by MPs and campaigners for using secondary legislation to expand police powers, meaning there is little parliamentary scrutiny and no public consultation. The Guardian understands about 50 MPs in total plan to oppose the amendment in Wednesday’s vote.
Introduced by the policing minister, Sarah Jones, in November, the SI classifies life science sites, including animal testing labs and suppliers, as key infrastructure, giving police broad powers against protesters who “deliberately or recklessly” disrupt them, with penalties of up to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine. This includes online campaigns.
Jones defended the measure in a delegated legislation committee meeting last month, arguing that recent protests targeting life sciences had threatened the UK’s ability to produce vaccines and medicines, and disrupted supply chains vital to national health.
