One click this morning to protect peaceful protest

This morning, we are asking people across the country to take two minutes to send a clear message to the Home Secretary, before MPs return to Westminster and before ministerial business fully resumes.

When Shabana Mahmood MP opens her inbox after the Christmas break, it must already be full.

Full of one message:

Withdraw this proposal.

What is happening right now

The government is moving forward with plans to designate the “life sciences” sector as Key National Infrastructure under the Public Order Act 2023.

This is not a technical change.

It would mean:

• Expanded police powers

• Harsher restrictions on peaceful protest

• Further criminalisation of lawful dissent

And it would explicitly cover animal testing facilities.

This proposal builds on a law that has already been condemned by UN Special Rapporteurs, civil liberties organisations, and parliamentarians from across the political spectrum for its disproportionate impact on fundamental rights.

Extending it further is unnecessary, excessive, and dangerous.

The public has already spoken

Public opposition to this proposal is overwhelming.

More than 15,000 people contacted their MPs in under 24 hours ahead of its consideration by a Delegated Legislation Committee. MPs raised concerns directly during parliamentary proceedings.

Those warnings have not been acted on. So we must continue to keep the pressure on.

Why today matters

Political pressure works when it lands at the right moment.

Today:

• MPs are back from the Christmas recess

• Ministers are returning to their desks

• Briefings are being read

• Priorities are being set

This is when decisions harden or change.

Thousands of emails waiting in the Home Secretary’s inbox today cannot be postponed, deflected, or ignored.

Peaceful protest is not a threat

Peaceful protest against animal testing has a long and legitimate history in the UK. People object for ethical, scientific, and moral reasons, and they have the right to express those objections lawfully.

Using sweeping public order powers to suppress that dissent:

• Chills free expression

• Undermines democratic accountability

• Erodes trust in government commitments to human rights

This approach is also incompatible with Labour’s stated commitment to the long-term phasing out of animal testing. You cannot claim to support reform while silencing those calling for it.

What you can do right now

Today, we are asking you to send an email in your own name directly to the Home Secretary.

We have provided a clear, respectful email that you can send in a single click.

One inbox. Thousands of messages. One clear demand.

Withdraw the proposal.
Protect peaceful protest.
Defend democratic rights.

This is happening today. Take part now.

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