Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the Government's policy is on protecting the right to protest in (a) London and (b) Parliament Square.

The freedom to peacefully protest across the country is a fundamental right that this Government is proud to support.

However, this Government will strengthen police powers to tackle non-violent protests that cause significant disruption to essential services. This is why we are introducing powers in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to establish a fair balance between the rights of protesters and the rights and freedoms of others.