PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Demonstrations (10 November 2014)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to restrict marches or demonstrations when groups of protestors repeatedly target the same place and where there is a demonstrable effect on local businesses.

Asked by:
Sarah Champion (Labour)

The police have a range of powers to manage the impacts of marches and demonstrations. Under the Public Order Act 1986, chief officers may impose conditions on assemblies and public processions to prevent serious public disorder, serious damage to property, or serious disruption to the life of the community.

The Government has no plans to bring forward any further legislation on this issue. We will continue to work with the police to ensure they have the powers they need to maintain public order.

Answered by:
Sir Mike Penning (Conservative)
17 November 2014