While peaceful protest is a vital part of our democratic society, there is a balance to be struck between the rights of those who wish to peacefully protest and the rights of others, such as clinic staff and patients, to go about their business free from harassment and intimidation.

This Government is clear that rights to peaceful protest do not extend to harassment or intimidating behaviour. Like all members of the public, protesters are subject to the law and all suspected criminal offences will be robustly investigated and dealt with by the police.

The law provides protection against harassment and intimidation, and the police have a range of powers to manage protests. This includes powers under the Public Order Act 1986 which make it an offence to display words or images that may intentionally cause harassment, alarm or offence. Conditions can also be set on the location, duration, and numbers attending a public assembly. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives the police dispersal powers in public places, to prevent or stop members of the public being harassed, alarmed and distressed and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 prohibits a person from pursuing a course of conduct which amounts to harassment of another person to do something they are entitled to do, or under no obligation to do.

Home Office