Charity Challenges UK's New Anti-Protest Law

0:00On March 20, a charity group called Animal Aid has filed a core challenge against the new law in England and Wales. The change to the Public Order Act labels animal testing facilities as key national infrastructure. This restricts protests outside them, even peaceful ones. Animal Aid claims the update goes beyond what lawmakers originally meant. They argue where wrongly includes universities, labs, and commercial sites that aren't truly vital to the nation. Plus, the government consulted only police and industry groups, skipping animal welfare advocates. Lawyers say this risks turning non-disruptive advocacy into a crime with our real legal grounds. The amendment passed Parliament 301 votes to 110, with 26 labor MPs voting against it amid wider worries over. Protests curves. Starting February 12, police gained strong powers to stop deliberate disruptions at these sites, including online efforts. Penalties include up to 12 months in jail or hefty fines.

1:02The home office stresses that peaceful protests stay central to democracy. This judicial review could reshape how such laws balance rights and order.