UK to Criminalize Climbing on War Memorials with Jail Terms and Fines

The new law, proposed by Home Secretary James Cleverly, aims to protect monuments of remembrance and maintain public order during protests.

Protesters who climb on war memorials in England and Wales will face up to three months in prison and a £1,000 fine under a new amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill.
The legal change comes in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations where participants climbed on the Royal Artillery Memorial, sparking outrage.
Home Secretary James Cleverly, a Royal Artillery reservist, emphasized that peaceful protest is fundamental, but disrespecting war memorials insults those who sacrificed for freedom.
The amendment is part of a broader plan to address disorder at protests, including recent mass demonstrations against Israel's actions in Gaza.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley highlighted the current lack of legal grounds to arrest protesters for climbing memorials, prompting the government's move to provide police with necessary powers.