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 following lockdown in January 2021, but also following updates at the end of the November lockdown and the introduction of Tier 4 in December.
We are seeing widespread use of Coronavirus powers in the community, which are disproportionately being used against people of colour, and may be challengable.
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
The rest of this guide talks specifically about the implications of Coronavirus-related changes for protesters.
Please note that Coronavirus related law is changing rapidly. This guide was last updated on 22nd January 2021