Recent years have seen a rise in 'disruptive' protest tactics used by groups like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion, including slow marching on highways and gluing themselves to infrastructure. The Public Order Act 2023 gave police new powers to arrest protesters for 'locking on' or causing 'serious disruption.' Proponents argue these laws are necessary to stop a minority from holding the country hostage and blocking emergency vehicles. Opponents argue that defining 'disruption' is too vague and effectively criminalizes the fundamental democratic right to protest.
Response rates from 467 UK voters.
Trend of support over time for each answer from 467 UK voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 467 UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@BCMF3BB 4wks4W
Needs to be judged on a case by case basis
@BCJYR7C1mo1MO
Peaceful protest should be allowed, but the police should have the right to restrict them to prevent public disruption.
@BCGSMKH1mo1MO
No, unless property is damaged or the protest occurs specifically to disrupt the public.
@BCG7F3S1mo1MO
No it should be allowed but it should become illegal to block emergency vehicles.
@BBBQQ942mos2MO
Only when there is a significant risk of harm. We need to learn from the miner's strikes and the protests following Sarah Everard's death. We need to balance freedom of expression with genuine public safety.
@BBBQBKB2mos2MO
For repeat protests only and make it hard to ban i.e. court approval required
@BBBHXDW2mos2MO
As long as theres no violence towards general public
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