Skip to content

Protests - Potential offences during protests, demonstrations, or campaigns - Annex A

Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.

All CPS guidance

AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.

This CPS prosecution guidance provides details about potential offences that may occur during protests, demonstrations, or campaigns. It outlines various legislative provisions including the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and the Public Order Act 1986, alongside relevant ECHR proportionality assessments. Specific offences discussed include concealing identity at protests, aggravated trespass, and interference with key national infrastructure, among others.

Key points

  • Prosecutors should assess whether an ECHR proportionality assessment is required for each offence.
  • Public interest factors may influence the decision to prosecute.
  • Offences related to protests may include civil liberties considerations.
  • Provisions provide for reasonable excuses and statutory defences in limited circumstances.
  • The maximum sentences vary across different offences.

Public-interest factors

  • Protection of public order
  • Prevention of crime
  • Safety of participants in protests and bystanders
  • Rights to freedom of assembly and expression
  • Community impact of offences
  • Deterrence of future offences
Concealing identity at protestsPossession of pyrotechnic articles at protestsAggravated trespassLocking-onWilful obstruction of the highwayInterference with use of key national infrastructureBreach of conditions on protestsCausing public nuisanceCriminal damageInterference with abortion services
Read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk
Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 3 September 2023 · Next review due: 3 March 2024

This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.