Demonstrations in the Vicinity of Parliament (Removal of Authorisation Requirements) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Repeals sections 132-138 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, removing the authorisation regime for demonstrations near Parliament.
• Out goes the requirement to obtain police authorisation for protests in the Parliament vicinity.
• Protests would fall under general criminal and public order laws rather than a specific authorisation scheme.
• The change does not remove general public order powers or other protections—only the targeted authorisation regime.

Progress

The bill is currently at the Lords' second reading; if it progresses, it would move to committee stage and then further readings as it passes through Parliament.