§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have evidence that anti-social behaviour orders are being used to prevent or impede non-violent protest and expression of political opinion; and whether this may have occurred in a recent case of leafleting outside the offices of Spearhead exhibitions in Richmond, Surrey. [HL4349]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) are community-based orders that exist to protect the public from any behaviour, which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others. They are designed to protect those who directly experience anti-social behaviour and should have the interests of the community at their centre. It is up to local courts to determine whether ASBOs are necessary in individual cases.
We are not aware of any ASBOs being issued for leafleting outside the office of Spearhead exhibitions in Richmond, Surrey.