Labour MPs plan to oppose move to restrict protest at animal testing sites

"Labour MPs are among those planning to vote against a move to restrict protest outside animal breeding and testing facilities by reclassifying them as key national infrastructure, amid fresh concerns about the criminalisation of peaceful protest. The government proposal to amend the Public Order Act 2023 using a statutory instrument (SI) has been criticised by MPs and campaigners for using secondary legislation to expand police powers, meaning there is little parliamentary scrutiny and no public consultation."

"While usually uncontroversial, this proposal faces strong opposition, with MPs warning of an authoritarian drift. The Labour MPs Rachael Maskell and Neil Duncan-Jordan warned in the committee that lawful protest could be suppressed, noting that police already had extensive powers to manage disruptions. Maskell said: Will it be targeted at the peaceful protester who is holding up a sign with a picture of a bunny rabbit on it, saying: Don't inject disease into this animal'?"

Ministers propose amending the Public Order Act 2023 via a statutory instrument to reclassify life science sites, including animal testing labs and suppliers, as key national infrastructure. The change would give police broad powers to act against protesters who deliberately or recklessly disrupt these sites, with penalties up to 12 months' imprisonment or a fine, and would cover online campaigns. The policing minister argued that recent protests threatened vaccine and medicine production and disrupted health supply chains. MPs and campaigners warn that using secondary legislation limits parliamentary scrutiny and could criminalize peaceful protest, provoking cross-party opposition.

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