Skip to main content
Tories ‘crushing right to protest when it's needed most’ – but climate activists say they won't be deterred
The Rev Sue Parfitt: “I think in a rather paradoxical way that the more heavy handed the laws become, or try to become, the more it backfires”

THE government is cracking down on the right to protest at the very time it’s needed most, veteran climate activists have warned as they hit out at “draconian” anti-protest laws. 

The Public Order Bill, which is currently being scrutinised in the House of Lords, has already been cleared by MPs despite warnings the legislation will severely restrict people’s right to protest and amounts to an “attempt to overthrow democracy.” 

The Bill aims to target radical climate protesters by criminalising tactics favoured by environmental activists, including “locking on,” tunnelling and obstructing major transport networks as well as expanding stop-and-search powers around protests. 

Climate activist Dr Larch Maxey, who's been arrested around 40 times for taking direct action for the climate, including (left) occupying an underground tunnel below Euston for a month in 2021
The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Britain’s biggest hunger strike in decades – and the media won’t touch it
Features / 4 December 2025
4 December 2025

As Palestine Action prisoners go weeks without food, alleging dangerous neglect and detention without trial, campaigners warn that a near-total media blackout is hiding a crisis that could turn fatal – and fuel a growing wave of public anger. ELIZABETH SHORT reports

Majority members out campaigning in Newcastle [Pic: Majority]
Durham Miners’ Gala 2025 / 12 July 2025
12 July 2025

JAMIE DRISCOLL explains how his group, Majority, plans to empower working people to empower themselves

Joanne Thomas campaigning for safe shopwork
Durham Miners’ Gala 2025 / 12 July 2025
12 July 2025

Incoming Usdaw general secretary JOANNE THOMAS talks to Ben Chacko about workers’ rights, Labour and how to arrest the decline of the high street

15/04/25 of Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn,
2026 Commonwealth Games / 25 June 2025
25 June 2025