New Law Could Jail Protesters Outside MPs' Homes for Six Months
A proposed law in England and Wales could jail individuals for up to six months for protesting outside the homes of Members of Parliament, peers, and councillors. The measure aims to tackle harassment and intimidation of politicians, following a surge in complaints.
The government is set to amend the crime and policing bill on Tuesday, which would formally bar protests outside public officials' homes and impose criminal sanctions. Home Office sources describe such protests as "toxic behaviour" in UK politics, highlighting the intention behind the law: to prevent influence on public officials during their private lives.
A survey by House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle found that 96% of MPs have experienced harassment or intimidation at some point. Activist groups like Just Stop Oil defended the need for direct targeting of MPs as a crucial tool to influence policy, although the group has since shifted its tactics.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis expressed concerns about the level of abuse faced by politicians, stating it's a threat to democracy and that people should be able to participate without fearing for their safety. The measure is seen as necessary but proportionate, targeting intimidation rather than protest.
The change has been backed by the Jo Cox Foundation, which was set up in memory of Labour MP murdered outside her constituency surgery. The organization emphasizes the importance of protest and debate while condemning intimidation at public officials' homes.
Several MPs have previously reported being targeted at their family homes, including Tobias Ellwood and Mike Freer. Labor MP Stella Creasy has also spoken out against such tactics, which she sees as an attack on democracy.
The law amendment excludes official residences, allowing protests outside Downing Street or other government residences. However, critics argue that the measure is overly restrictive and will stifle free speech and peaceful protest in the UK.
A proposed law in England and Wales could jail individuals for up to six months for protesting outside the homes of Members of Parliament, peers, and councillors. The measure aims to tackle harassment and intimidation of politicians, following a surge in complaints.
The government is set to amend the crime and policing bill on Tuesday, which would formally bar protests outside public officials' homes and impose criminal sanctions. Home Office sources describe such protests as "toxic behaviour" in UK politics, highlighting the intention behind the law: to prevent influence on public officials during their private lives.
A survey by House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle found that 96% of MPs have experienced harassment or intimidation at some point. Activist groups like Just Stop Oil defended the need for direct targeting of MPs as a crucial tool to influence policy, although the group has since shifted its tactics.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis expressed concerns about the level of abuse faced by politicians, stating it's a threat to democracy and that people should be able to participate without fearing for their safety. The measure is seen as necessary but proportionate, targeting intimidation rather than protest.
The change has been backed by the Jo Cox Foundation, which was set up in memory of Labour MP murdered outside her constituency surgery. The organization emphasizes the importance of protest and debate while condemning intimidation at public officials' homes.
Several MPs have previously reported being targeted at their family homes, including Tobias Ellwood and Mike Freer. Labor MP Stella Creasy has also spoken out against such tactics, which she sees as an attack on democracy.
The law amendment excludes official residences, allowing protests outside Downing Street or other government residences. However, critics argue that the measure is overly restrictive and will stifle free speech and peaceful protest in the UK.
I feel so worried about this new law... it sounds like it's targeting people who are just trying to make their voices heard! 
Six months in jail for protesting outside MPs' homes? That's a really long time, especially if you're just trying to stand up for something you care about. 
I'm thinking about all the activists and ordinary people who might be affected by this law... will they feel safe expressing their opinions anymore? 
It's like we're losing our right to peaceful protest in the UK... that can't be good for democracy, right? 
... Six months for protesting outside MPs' homes? That's crazy talk! I mean, I get where they're coming from - politicians do have a right to private lives too - but is that really something we want to legislate against? It feels like we're taking away the right to peaceful protest and freedom of speech. I'm all for civility and not going overboard, but this law seems way too harsh to me 
. And what about people who are genuinely trying to make a point or hold their leaders accountable? Are they just going to be silenced because it's inconvenient? 
idk about this law amendin the crime bill... feels like its just an excuse 4 more gov control 
what do u think?
it's like they're trying to silence dissenting voices altogether. I mean, I get that politicians need some space from protesters, but six months is just ridiculous 
. And what's next, will they be targeting activists online too? 
... I mean, six months in jail for protesting outside MPs' homes? That's like saying, "Hey, you wanna have an opinion, but first, let me lock you up and throw away the key... just kidding, that's not how it works." 
For real though, it's concerning. Who gets to decide what's considered "toxic behavior"? And shouldn't politicians be able to handle a little bit of public scrutiny? It feels like they're trying to protect their private lives from the same thing that makes them politicians in the first place – public opinion 
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. I've seen some crazy stuff on social media too, where people are getting really upset with MPs and it's causing a lot of tension. But at the same time, protesters have the right to express themselves, even if it's not always easy for them to do so without being attacked or threatened 
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my cousin's friend is a activist and he's always protesting outside MPs' homes and he never gets arrested... I think the government is trying to silence people who are passionate about change 
has anyone else been following this story? what do you guys think?
i mean, on one hand, security minister dan jarvis said its necessary to prevent people from being harassed or intimidated at their homes. that's defo not cool and shouldnt happen! 
but on the other hand, doesnt this just kinda go against what we're trying to do with protest movements in the first place? 
It feels like we're giving up our right to peaceful protest just because some politicians don't want to deal with us when we're not trying to force them into making a decision... 
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i get that intimidation and harassment are not cool, but isnt there a better way to address this than restricting free speech? 
. can't they just have a private address or something? 
I'm so worried about this... it's like they're trying to silence us even when we're not causing harm! If people can't protest outside MPs' homes, what's the point of having a democracy? 
And what about free speech? I don't think we should be punished for exercising our right to protest peacefully. This law is a step in the wrong direction, IMHO 
and what about all the times they're the ones who've been ignoring us or making laws that harm our planet?! 
The more I think about it, the angrier I get. This law is just another example of how out of touch our politicians are from the rest of us. They're more concerned with their own safety than with doing what's right for our country 
. I mean, where do we draw the line? Is it just protesters who are allowed to stand up for themselves or can anyone feel safe expressing their views? I think this law could be seen as a slippery slope where freedom of speech gets curtailed 
. The government's trying to protect politicians, but what about us ordinary people who want to hold them accountable? It feels like we're being silenced