The Centre welcomed the ‘additional clarity’ in the latest regulations of a specific exception for protests to take place, in its report, Protests during lockdown (England). However, it made two complaints.
First, it called for ‘detailed and public guidance’ to be issued by the College of Policing and National Police Chief’s Council, setting out how the exception will work in practice.
Second, it called for ‘relevant guidance’ to be produced for protest organisers on how to conduct the required risk assessment for the protest, and suggested England adopt the Scottish Government’s guidance as a template.
Last week MPs voted to approve the extension of temporary powers under the Coronavirus Act 2020 for a further six months. The legislation must be reviewed every six months.
