UK police have new expanded powers to crack down on protests

New and expanded powers for British police took effect on July 2, including measures targeting activists who stop traffic and major building works with protests, the Associated Press reports.

Authorities have repeatedly condemned environmental protest groups, including Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion, which have sought to raise awareness about the urgency of climate change by staging multiple high-profile protests at the busiest highways and roads. Their protests in recent years often caused serious disruption for motorists.

From July 2, police will have powers to move static protests. Critics have argued the toughened laws are a threat to the right to protest, but UK officials say the measures were to stop “disruption from a selfish minority”.