Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prosecution Rates for Blocking Public Rights of Way

Thursday 20 October 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government ensures police and prosecutors have tools to address disruptive protest tactics
  • Sentencing for protesters disrupting daily life is a matter for the independent criminal justice system
  • Labour is asked to focus on supporting the British public in carrying out their lawful activities

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question follows recent cases where protesters have been charged and the effectiveness of legal actions against them is under scrutiny.

Question

What assessment has he made of the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service in prosecuting protesters who block public rights of way?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The Government continue to ensure that the police and prosecutors have the necessary tools to tackle the dangerous and highly disruptive tactics used by a small minority of protesters to wreak havoc on people going about their lawful daily lives. In relation to Insulate Britain protesters, for example, the CPS has secured 364 convictions in magistrates courts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment criteria or metrics were not provided

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Q2 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

MP notes inconsistency between criminalisation of prayer card distribution and leniency towards public road blocking protests.

Question

On Tuesday, the House decided to criminalise grandmothers who hold prayer cards outside abortion agencies. At the same time, we brought in new powers for Just Stop Oil protesters. The difference is that grandmothers will quietly leave but protesters will keep returning. There is no point having more legislation if police do not enforce it and courts do not give long sentences.

Answer from Michael Ellis

The sentencing of such individuals is a matter for our independent criminal justice system, but we have an offence of nuisance with increased powers up to 12 months' imprisonment. The Public Order Bill is going through Parliament. We are determined that those disrupting citizens meet the full force of law.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific sentencing commitments were not provided

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Q3 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

MP questions the consistency of Conservative party's position on public protest based on their recent voting patterns.

Question

Welcoming new Law Officers, I note a missed Solicitor General in summer. Are Conservatives now opposed to all public protest and free speech? They voted to allow fracking despite 2019 manifesto promises. Does breaking such clear promises set an example for others?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The question is not on point, but Labour supports protesters rather than those wishing to go about lawful duties. We have the offence of public nuisance with wide penalties. Courts will use these powers. Labour should focus on supporting British public going about their lawful business.

Not addressed: Specific commitment on protest stance and adherence to rule of law was not provided

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