Thugs face jail for using flares and refusing to remove menacing face masks

In a bid to curb disorderly behaviour during protests, the Home Secretary has unveiled stringent measures, including jail time for individuals caught lighting flares and refusing to remove intimidating face masks.

Following recent disturbances at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, Home Secretary James Cleverly has taken a firm stance against those engaging in disruptive and threatening behaviour. He emphasized the need to address the actions of a minority intent on causing harm and instilling fear among law-abiding citizens.

Since the onset of Hamas’s aggression against Israel on October 7, over 600 arrests have been made in connection with protests. Concerns have been raised by police chiefs regarding the use of face masks by troublemakers to conceal their identities and evade accountability.

To address these concerns, law enforcement authorities will be granted enhanced powers to compel individuals to remove face coverings when requested. Failure to comply could result in offenders facing up to a month behind bars or a hefty fine of £1,000.

Moreover, individuals found carrying flares or fireworks at protests will also face severe penalties. Mr. Cleverly emphasized that such actions pose not only a threat to public safety but also undermine the very essence of peaceful protest. Measures are being implemented to empower police to prevent such criminal behaviour on the streets.

In addition to penalties for carrying pyrotechnics, clambering on war memorials will now carry a three-month prison sentence. Furthermore, loopholes that allow protesters to block roads under the guise of exercising their right to protest are being addressed.

These robust measures are part of the Criminal Justice Bill currently under parliamentary review. Chief Constable BJ Harrington of the National Police Chiefs’ Council affirmed the commitment to swiftly and effectively respond to activists who disrupt lives with reckless and criminal acts.

The announcement underscores the government’s determination to uphold public order and safety while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest. It serves as a warning to those intent on causing chaos and disruption that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face severe consequences.