1. Before the Action

The most important thing you can do ahead of an action is ensuring that you and all participants are aware of our key messages about legal rights.

We will happily answer hypothetical questions about the law and what to expect from the police, before protests via the phone line (07946 541 511).

With sufficient notice, we may be able to run a Know Your Rights workshop tailored to your group, which can increase people’s confidence and ability to keep themselves and each other safe during a protest. Alternatively, check-out our upcoming public training dates. Remember: ignorance of the law is not a defence and will not help you in court.

The Independent Legal Observers Network may be able to provide legal observers to support your action on the day. They may try and help with last minute requests if they are able to but they are much more likely to be able to provide support if you give them at least 2 weeks notice.

Our aim is for groups to ultimately be autonomous. If you are planning an action lasting several days, or are a group that frequently runs actions, then we will support you to build up your own legal team, including training legal observers, offering guidance on police station support, and skillsharing with members of your group to answer the phone line on your days of action. Contact us to discuss this further.

Even if you do not want legal observers, we can provide bustcards, or you can print your own.