Demonstrations: Coronavirus

(asked on 26th November 2020) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 26 November 2020 to Question 117954, if she will publish which provisions under the Serious Crime Act 2007 which allow for someone engaging in peaceful protest that is in breach of Coronavirus regulations to be detained and/or charged under that Act; and if she will make a statement.


Answered by
Kit Malthouse Portrait
Kit Malthouse
This question was answered on 1st December 2020

People are required to follow the rules under the current national measures that are in place for large gatherings, including protests. They are in place to protect the public and save lives during this national pandemic.

Sections 44 to 46 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 provide for offences of encouraging or assisting an offence. Whether someone engaging in peaceful protest that is in breach of Coronavirus regulations has committed an offence under sections 44 to 46 of the Serious Crime Act of encouraging or assisting an offence will depend on the circumstances.

Individual decisions on detaining or charging an individual are operational matters for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

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