HC Deb 17 September 2004 vol 424 cc1891-2W
Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is considering to protect smaller organisations and businesses from criminal damage committed by(a) the Lobster Liberation Front and (b) other animal rights protesters. [188895]

Caroline Flint

The Government are determined that legitimate business activity will not be prevented by extremists.

We announced on 30 July in our paper "Animal Welfare—Human Rights: Tackling Animal Rights Extremism" a number of changes to strengthen the law on protests outside homes and harassment.

These new proposals will strengthen on-going action by the Government, police and Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to enforce existing legislation robustly and to ensure effective co-ordination to combat the criminal activities of extremists.

Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the activities of the Lobster Liberal ion Front. [187482]

Caroline Flint

We are in regular contact with the police about the activities of all extremist groups. Our position towards such groups is clear. We support the right of everyone to express strongly held views and to campaign legally to persuade people to change their mind and the law. We will not however tolerate those who use harassment, intimidation and violence to prevent others from carrying out their lawful business.

Dorset police have made an assessment of their activities and have given advice.

Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent attack on the Lander family of Swanage by the Lobster Liberation Front. [187483]

Caroline Flint

I cannot comment on the individual case, but the Government is determined to tackle extremists who attempt to stop people going about their legitimate business. No one has the right to harass and intimidate individuals or their families.

We announced on 30 July in our paper "Animal Welfare—Human Rights: Tackling Animal Rights Extremism" a number of changes to strengthen the law on protests outside homes and harassment. These new proposals will strengthen on-going action by the Government, police and Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to enforce existing legislation robustly and to ensure effective co-ordination to combat the criminal activities of extremists.