Coronavirus & Protest Law
The Coronavirus Act has introduced new police powers in England and Wales which have implications for protest. There are also changes to the way police interviews and court hearings are being conducted. (Also see guide to rules in Scotland)
It has been updated several times, most recently in March 2021 to start to ease restrictions, including for protest. Previous changes were following lockdown in January 2021, updates at the end of the November 2020 lockdown and the introduction of Tier 4 in December 2020.
We are seeing widespread use of Coronavirus powers to disprupt ptotests and in the community, which are disproportionately being used against people of colour, and may be challengable.
For information about the implications of Coronavirus-related legilslation for protesters:
For a general guide to the powers created by the Coronavirus Act in England & Wales, please see these guides from Bristol Defendant Solidarity.
For a guide to the powers created in Scotland please see SCALP’s guide
Please note that Coronavirus related law is changing rapidly. This guide was last updated on 28th March 2021