New clause added to protect journalists
A new clause (amendment 54) protecting journalists, legal observers, academics, and bystanders, was added to the bill. The amendment was brought forward following backlash against journalists recently arrested in Hertfordshire while covering a JustStopOil protest on the M25.
The clause states that there will be a protection for journalists and others monitoring protests and that a police officer may not exercise any police power to prevent that person from observing or otherwise reporting on the protest or any activities related to the protest.
