Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Crimes While Protesting: Prosecutions

Thursday 9 May 2024 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Evans questioned the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service in prosecuting crimes committed during protests.
  • The Minister emphasized that non-threatening peaceful protest is fundamental but must be balanced with the rights and freedom of others.
  • Luke Evans inquired about new laws passed in Parliament that aid the prosecution of non-peaceful protesters.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from the need to assess whether the CPS is effectively prosecuting individuals who commit crimes while protesting, considering recent events involving disruptive protests.

Question

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service in prosecuting people that have committed crimes while protesting?

Answer from Robert Courts

Non-threatening peaceful protest is fundamental, but those rights are not absolute and they must be balanced with the rights and freedom of others. The CPS works closely with the police to ensure that those who commit offences during protests are brought to justice and our streets are kept safe. Indeed, just last month the CPS successfully prosecuted a protester under the Terrorism Act 2000 after he wore a Hamas headband to a pro-Palestine rally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the CPS in prosecuting crimes during protests beyond a single case example.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

The question stems from concerns about the impact of mass protests that cause damage, particularly to public buildings. The MP seeks clarity on how recent legislation aids in prosecuting those involved in such disruptive activities.

Question

How do the new laws that we have passed in Parliament aid the prosecution of those who are not interested in peaceful protest?

Answer from Robert Courts

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this extremely pertinent and concerning point. The police already have a full suite of powers under section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986—as well as some relating to criminal damage, the offence to which he referred. To ensure that they act, the Government have, however, reinforced those powers under the Public Order Act 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service is working closely with the police in, for instance, providing round-the-clock charging advice nationally. My hon. Friend is right: it is unacceptable that those who are taking part in legitimate democratic processes commit criminal damage, and it is also utterly unacceptable that, for example, Jewish people feel threatened. The Government expect the full powers available to the police to be used so that offenders can be prosecuted.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)