A dangerous protest law was delayed. Now we must stop it

The government is trying to push through a dangerous change to protest law that would seriously undermine civil liberties in the UK.

It wants to expand the Public Order Act so that animal testing facilities are classified as “key national infrastructure.”

That might sound technical. It is not.

If this change goes through, peaceful protest near animal testing sites could be treated in the same legal category as protests near airports, motorways, or power stations. People could face arrest, heavy restrictions, or even prison sentences simply for demonstrating, leafleting, or holding signs.

This is about shielding a private industry from scrutiny and silencing dissent.

That is why we have teamed up with Animal Rising to oppose this proposal and why your action over the last few weeks has been so important.

Thanks to sustained public pressure, including thousands of you contacting your MPs, the Home Secretary chose not to introduce this law change before Parliament ahead of the Christmas recess.

That is a real and meaningful success.

But it also means the fight now moves into its next phase.

Where We Are Now

What has already happened

• Thousands of people contacted their MPs opposing the proposal

• MPs from across the political spectrum raised serious concerns

• The government delayed bringing the change before Parliament before Christmas

What happens next

• The proposal is expected to return in the New Year

• If it progresses through the Commons, it will face scrutiny from the House of Lords

• This is a critical moment where pressure can still stop or weaken it

Why the House of Lords Matters

The House of Lords plays a key role in challenging poorly drafted and dangerous legislation. Many peers are deeply concerned about civil liberties and the right to protest, but they need to hear from the public.

That is why we have launched a new campaign tool that allows you to email members of the House of Lords directly.

This tool is designed to be as effective as possible.

• It randomly selects a different peer each time someone takes action

• It ensures communication is spread evenly

• It avoids inbox overload and increases the chance of serious engagement

Take Action Now

If you have already contacted your MP, thank you.
Now we need you to take the next crucial step.

👉 Email a member of the House of Lords using our new tool

It takes less than a minute and it genuinely matters.

Demonstration on 5 January

We are also supporting the demonstration on 5 January, which will show publicly that opposition to this proposal has not disappeared over Christmas.

Public pressure works best when it is visible.
If you can attend, please do.

We will share full details shortly.

Why This Matters to Everyone

This proposal is not just about animal testing.

It is about whether the government can quietly redefine peaceful protest as a threat.
It is about whether private industries can be granted special protection from public opposition.
It is about whether protest rights can be hollowed out piece by piece.

The fact that this has already been delayed shows the campaign is working.

But delays only become victories if we use the time wisely.

Thank you for standing with us, and with Animal Rising, and for refusing to look away.

The next few weeks matter.

Rob

---

Support Protect the Wild

A reminder that our Boxing Day sale is live until the end of the year! 20% off everything in our shop! Pick something up and support our vital work fighting for British wildlife!