Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Protest-related Offences: Remand

Tuesday 3 February 2026 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sin Berry raised concerns about the long remand periods for protesters without trial, deeming it unacceptable in a democratic society.
  • The Minister acknowledged court backlogs affecting remand length but stated that the Government aims to address these issues.
  • Steve Witherden questioned the need for more time to scrutinise and debate the Government's amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill regarding protest rights.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

The question addresses concerns about the prolonged remands of people charged with protest-related crimes, which are seen as politically motivated.

Question

I am concerned about the real harm and suffering caused by the Government's escalation of charges against protesters. Incarcerating individuals for months or years without trial for political offences is unacceptable in a democracy. Does he agree that such practices should not exist?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)

I acknowledge issues with remand length caused by court backlogs. The Government aims to address this, and I expect the hon. Lady's Green Party colleagues to support our proposals in the near future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific question about incarcerating people for protest offences without trial was not directly addressed.

How: Redirected Towards Court Backlogs And Government Initiatives

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Q2 Steve Witherden Lab Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

The question concerns a proposed amendment that restricts protest rights based on 'cumulative disruption', raising concerns about democratic freedoms.

Question

Members from both sides of the House are concerned about the Government’s amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, which would limit protest rights. Given its significant implications for the right to protest, is it not essential that Parliament has ample time to scrutinise, debate, and vote on this proposal?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)

The legislation is proceeding as it should. There must be a balance between the right to protest and community safety from cumulative disruption, which I believe this amendment achieves.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurances about time allocation for scrutiny were not given.

How: Referred To Balance Between Rights And Community Protection

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