Police will be given powers to arrest protesters who wear face coverings to threaten others and avoid prosecution
Face coverings and pyrotechnics at protests
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New laws will empower police to arrest protesters who use face coverings to intimidate others and evade prosecution. Pyrotechnics will also be prohibited at protests. These laws aim to curb dangerous disorder, following warnings that some protesters use face coverings to hide their identities and avoid criminal convictions.
Police already have the power to request the removal of face coverings at designated protests where criminality is likely. The new offence will allow officers to arrest individuals who ignore these orders, with potential penalties including a month in prison and a £1,000 fine.
The use of flares and other pyrotechnics at protests will be banned. Protesters will also no longer be able to use the right to protest as a reasonable excuse for disruptive offences, such as blocking roads. The new offence will make it illegal to possess flares, fireworks and any other pyrotechnics at public processions and assemblies for protest, with potential fines of £1,000.
