PUBLIC ORDER ACT
Police have the powers to ban a protest under the Public Order Act 1986, if a senior officer has reasonable belief that it may cause “serious disruption to the life of the community”.
HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
Police are also under a duty to balance the task of keeping the streets open with the right freedom of assembly under Article 11 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and freedom of expression, under Article 10. These rights are not absolute – the state can curtail them.
SIX DAYS NOTICE
By law, the organiser of a public march must tell the police certain information in writing six days in advance.
THEY ARE IN CHARGE
Police have the power to limit or change the route of the march or set other conditions.
ARREST
A Section 14 notice issued under the Public Order Act allows police to impose conditions on a static protest and individuals who fail to comply with these can be arrested.
YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE T-SHIRTS
Apathy is a trophy for a fight you lost. Fight back with these protest t-shirts.