The United Kingdom's Home Office unveiled new legislative adjustments on Sunday, granting police expanded authority to manage protests more stringently. This move allows police to consider the "cumulative impact" of prior demonstrations when imposing conditions on upcoming events.

According to the official announcement, these changes involve amendments to Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act of 1986. These sections now allow police to account for the total impact of frequent protests when setting terms on public processions and assemblies. Specifically, Section 12 pertains to public marches, authorizing police to dictate the march's route, timing, and size to prevent severe disorder, damage, or community disruption. Section 14 targets static protests, giving police control over the location, duration, and participant numbers.

This adjustment means that police can now consider the prolonged nature of protests, rather than evaluating each event independently. The Home Office asserts that this measure will help protect communities from the disruptions caused by repeated protests.

However, this development has sparked criticism from various activist groups, including Defend Our Juries. They argue that these changes aim to "silence the opposition" regarding sensitive issues such as the genocide in Gaza, suggesting a shift towards authoritarianism. This critique comes in the wake of a tragic attack at a Manchester synagogue, which heightened national security concerns and was followed by numerous large-scale demonstrations. The designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July 2025 further escalated tensions, leading to the arrest of hundreds of protesters.

The Home Office's decision to enhance police powers follows these events closely, suggesting a direct response to the growing frequency and intensity of public demonstrations. The amendments are seen by some as a necessary step to maintain order and safety, while others view them as a significant infringement on the right to protest and a potential threat to civil liberties.

For more detailed information on this policy change, you can visit the official [Home Office news release](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-police-powers-to-protect-communities-from-disruption-caused-by-protests) or review the legal specifics at [Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act of 1986](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/64). Further commentary and updates are available through legal news outlets such as [JURIST](https://www.jurist.org/news).