PEACEFUL protesters were given a foretaste of what to expect under draconian new public order laws on Saturday when police arrested dozens for “offences” including wearing campaign T-shirts and carrying megaphones.

As London ground to a halt for Charles Windsor’s lavish taxpayer-funded coronation, republicans and environment campaigners were among 52 people arrested and detained by the Metropolitan Police to prevent “disruption.” 

The actions were condemned by human rights groups, MPs and by protesters targeted for arrest, but were defended by the government which introduced the new powers just days before the extravaganza.