MPs told Public Order Act having a ‘chilling effect’ on right to peacefully protest

The commons home affairs select committee today heard evidence from a series of individuals involved in the coronation arrests conducted according to the Public Order Act. Witnesses included Matt Twist, the Temporary Assistant Commissioner of Met Operations at Metropolitan Police Service, and Graham Smith, Chief Executive at Republic.

Speaking at the hearing Adam Wagner, a Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, said: “We’ve already heard the evidence that [the Public Order Act] is having a chilling effect on peaceful protests. It’s only been in force for about ten days”.