Boris Johnson to force through new anti-protest curbs in Queen's speech
Source: The Guardian
Boris Johnson to force through new anti-protest curbs in Queen’s speech
Government to announce new offences to stop protesters from ‘locking on’ to infrastructure
Rajeev Syal
Mon 9 May 2022 22.30 BST
Last modified on Mon 9 May 2022 23.26 BST
Boris Johnson’s government will force through police powers to prevent disruptive yet peaceful protests as one of 38 new bills in Tuesday’s Queen’s speech.
In a move to reinstate measures thrown out by the House of Lords in January, the government will announce new offences to stop protesters from “locking on” to infrastructure, extend stop and search powers, and make it illegal to obstruct transport projects.
The public order bill will be aimed at quashing tactics employed by protest groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil.
It will be seen as part of a plan by Johnson to boost his premiership with proposals which will appeal to core Tory supporters.
The development came as Buckingham Palace announced on Monday night that the Queen will miss the state opening of parliament. The Prince of Wales will instead read the Queen’s speech for the first time on her behalf.
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Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/may/09/boris-johnson-to-force-through-new-anti-protest-curbs-in-queens-speech