Bill to criminalise protests outside officials’ homes

Britain will introduce a new criminal offence banning protests outside the homes of elected officials, judges and local councillors, as part of wider efforts to curb harassment and intimidation in politics.

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Under the Crime and Policing Bill, police would be given powers to stop demonstrations aimed at influencing officials in their public duties or private lives, the government said. Those convicted could face up to six months in prison.

“The level of abuse faced by those taking part in British politics is truly shocking — it’s a threat to our democracy,” security minister Dan Jarvis said in a statement.