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<p>The Government has been clear that for democracy to be conducted properly, those who participate must feel safe to express their views, and the views of their constituents, without fear of harm.</p><p>The right to peaceful protest is fundamental, but this right does not extend to behaviour which causes harassment, alarm or distress to individuals in their own home.</p><p>The police have a wide range of powers to tackle those who seek to cause harassment, alarm and distress by protesting outside MPs homes. This includes, but is not limited to, the power to direct individuals away from the vicinity of the property if they are present for the purpose of persuading someone not to do something within their rights or obligations, or to do something they are not obliged to do. The police can issue any direction as is necessary to prevent harassment, alarm or distress to the resident.</p><p>It is also unlawful for any person to trespass on another person’s property, and aggravated trespass is a criminal offence.</p> |