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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Neil Shaw

Warning to protesters as King approves new laws ahead of Coronation

Anyone planning on protesting at the Coronation of King Charles III is being warned to be aware of new laws just approved by the King. Solicitors Near Me has issued a warning to anti-monarchists who are planning to protest peacefully at the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday.

The warning comes after the Home Office’s Police Powers Unit sent official letters to campaign groups such as Republic, informing them of new criminal offences that have been rushed into law to prevent disruption at major events.

The new law, which was approved by King Charles on Tuesday, came into effect on Wednesday and introduce harsh penalties for protesters who:

  • Block roads, airports and railways, risking 12 months in prison.

  • Lock on to others, objects or buildings, facing six months in prison and an unlimited fine.

  • Cause ‘chaos’, being stopped and searched by police without reasonable suspicion.

The Home Office letter urged the recipients to share the information with their members who are likely to be affected by the legislative changes, which are part of the controversial public order bill.

Solicitors Near Me advises anti-monarchists who are planning to exercise their right to protest on coronation day to be aware of the new laws and their implications. The platform also offers free consultations with qualified solicitors who can provide legal advice and representation in case of arrest or prosecution.

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Nick Jervis, founder of SolicitorsNearMe, said: “We are deeply concerned about the impact of the new laws on the freedom of expression and assembly, and the potential for abuse of police powers. As a platform dedicated to connecting people with the legal services they need, we have noticed a significant increase in inquiries related to the new public order bill. It's crucial for those planning to protest during the King's coronation to be aware of the potential consequences and their rights. We strongly advise protesters to consult with legal professionals to ensure they fully understand the implications of this new legislation."

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