Updated CPS guidance for protests

Protesters have been issued new legal guidance ahead of significant planned protests in London this weekend.

The updated guidance has a particular focus on offensive banners, slogans, chants and symbols, said to reflect the changing national and international context. The updated guidance comes on the back of a raft of new provisions in the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which recently gained Royal Assent, designed to add further measures to control, condition and manage public demonstrations and protests.

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, has taken the opportunity to remind the public that whilst everyone has the right to protest, that does not extend to using words or images to spread hatred or incite violence, citing the maximum seven year prison sentence for stirring up hatred under the Public Order Act 1986.

The new guidance recognises the changing international context, especially where tensions are heightened by national or international events. This wider focus might be thought consistent with the recently updated guidance and law recognising this cumulative disruption of protest on our communities.

The Policing response to events in London this week appears very significant, with the Met Police indicating they will be deploying approximately 4,000 officers, including 600 from other forces. It is also reported to be the first time that live facial recognition will be used as part of a protest policing operation, to be deployed in Camden. Dispersal orders are in place and for the first time conditions have been imposed on speakers themselves.

The updated guidance and extensive measures across the capital indicate the extent of the Criminal Justice response to what is expected a significant weekend of public demonstration, endeavouring to strike a balance between facilitating free speech and the right to protest with ensuring public safety and that all our communities can live free from fear and intimidation.