Tougher penalties for protesters will include new measures to protect key construction sites.
Home Secretary Priti Patel revealed a raft of tougher penalties and new police powers in the wake of chaos caused by Insulate Britain members.
The measures will also cover campaigners who try and disrupt major infrastructure jobs like HS2 which have been hit by demonstrations.
Penalties for blocking construction will see a new offence of obstructing the construction of authorised infrastructure introduced carrying a maximum penalty of an unlimited fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The government will also propose amendments to deal with the “lock-on” tactics used by groups including Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain where demonstrators physically attach themselves to objects.
A new offence will be introduced to criminalise the act of locking-on and new stop and search powers will allow police officers to search individuals and seize items that are likely to be used for lock-ons.
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