
Coronavirus & Policing
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act received royal assent on 28th April 2022, so will be enacted over the coming weeks and months:
- 12th May 2022: The new legislation for wilful obstruction of the highway (WOH) comes into force.
- It will no longer be a defence for WOH that the road was already blocked, e.g. by police.
- The maximum penalty is now a sentence of 51 weeks in prison and/or a fine.
- The offence is now recordable, i.e. police can take biometric data on arrest.
We are preparing a guide to the way the bill will affect protest, please watch this page for updates.
Please read our updated covid guide here, updated 16/7/21 if you you would like to challenge a fine (FPN – fixed penalty notice) received under Coronavirus legislation, or read about the latest self isolation rules.
read our key messages
GBC and other collectives offer comprehensive legal support to the activist community. Find out how we are organised and how you can get involved
Most Read
Key Advice when Going on a Protest
If you’re heading out on a protest, take a read of our key messages and download a copy of our latest…
Read More3. What happens if I break bail conditions?
We currently receive many calls from people on bail from domestic abuse related offences, asking for help on whether to…
Read MoreBustcard
Bustcards are an essential item to take with you on a protest. They provide you with our key advice, information on stop…
Read More6. Trespass & Aggravated Trespass
Trespass Trespass alone is a matter of civil law, which means that the police have no power to arrest you for it;…
Read MoreStatement on Extinction Rebellion
February 2021 The statement below was written in 2019. We are currently in the process of discussing how we might change it…
Read MoreWhat happens if I’m Arrested?
Don’t panic! Just remember our key advice: Make “NO COMMENT”…
Read More