MPs Call for Increased Notice Period for Protests to Ease Policing Strain

A parliamentary committee has recommended extending the notice period for protests, citing the heavy toll on police resources and neighborhood policing due to frequent and disruptive demonstrations.

• The Home Affairs Committee suggests extending the protest notice period beyond the current six days to better prepare police forces.
• Policing the Israel-Gaza protests since October has cost over £30 million, significantly straining resources.
• More than 4,000 police rest days have been cancelled to manage the protests, impacting officer well-being.
• Critics argue that further restrictions on protests could undermine the right to demonstrate, a fundamental democratic right.
• The committee also calls for a comprehensive 10-year workforce plan for policing and updating the government's hate crime action plan.

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