This is urgent. Please act on this.

We have a matter of hours to defend protest rights in this country

Hello.

I am sending this late because what is about to happen tomorrow morning is genuinely alarming.

On Wednesday 7 January, the Government is attempting to push through new protest restrictions in Parliament without a vote. Unless MPs actively object, these regulations could become law by default. No vote. No proper scrutiny. No accountability.

This is not hypothetical. This is happening today if you’re reading this in the morning.

The Government has laid new regulations under the Public Order Act that would classify the “life sciences” sector, including animal testing facilities, as key national infrastructure. That single move unlocks sweeping new police powers to restrict protests, seek injunctions, and criminalise peaceful assembly.

The wording is extremely broad. While many people understandably oppose animal testing, this goes far beyond that issue. These powers could be used against peaceful demonstrations, trade union activity, environmental protests, and community action near a wide range of sites.

What makes this even more troubling is how it is being done. These changes are being pushed through using secondary legislation. There was no public consultation. The Government’s own explanatory memorandum admits there is no monetised public benefit and that the regulations carry a negative net social value.

At committee stage, multiple MPs raised serious concerns and the debate ran far longer than is normal for delegated legislation. That alone should ring alarm bells.

Because this is a draft affirmative statutory instrument, it cannot become law unless the House of Commons approves it. But here is the crucial point. If no MP objects when it is brought before the House, it can pass without a vote.

That is why tomorrow matters so much.

MPs must stand up and shout “Object”. That single word forces proper debate and a formal vote. Without it, these regulations could quietly slip through.

We urgently need MPs to hear from thousands of constituents today.

Please take two minutes this morning to act. Sign the petition and contact your MP immediately. Ask them to object today. Ask them to confirm how they intend to vote.

Even if you have already contacted your MP, please do it again. This is time critical and numbers really matter.

This is about more than one issue. It is about whether the Government can expand state power, restrict protest, and bypass Parliament unless people push back.

Today, the only people who can stop this are MPs. And the only way they will act is if their inboxes are full.

Please act now. Please share this with anyone who cares about the right to peaceful protest.

Thank you for standing up when it truly matters.

Rob