"UK Police Gain Enhanced Authority to Suppress Protests"

New and expanded powers for British police have come into effect, targeting activists who disrupt traffic and major building works with protests. The measures aim to address the disruption caused by environmental protest groups like Extinction Rebellion. Critics argue that the laws threaten the right to protest, while UK officials claim they are necessary to combat disruption caused by a "selfish minority." The new laws include provisions to move static protests, criminalize "tunnelling" to obstruct infrastructure works, and make "locking on" a criminal offense. Last year, hundreds of climate change protesters were arrested for blocking roads and bridges, engaging in civil disobedience actions to draw attention to their cause.