Labour MPs plan to oppose move to restrict protest at animal testing sites

Campaigners warn proposals being voted on in Commons are threat to ‘long and legitimate history’ of peaceful action

Labour MPs are among those planning to vote against a move to restrict protest outside animal breeding and testing facilities by reclassifying them as “key national infrastructure”, amid fresh concerns about the criminalisation of peaceful protest.

The government proposal to amend the Public Order Act 2023 using a statutory instrument (SI) has been criticised by MPs and campaigners for using secondary legislation to expand police powers, meaning there is little parliamentary scrutiny and no public consultation. The Guardian understands about 50 MPs in total plan to oppose the amendment in Wednesday’s vote.