Legal Briefing

Solicitor Juliet Phillips - James casts her expert eye over a range of legal matters and urges anyone with any questions or problems to come forward for help.

Qorganisea protest against the NHS Budget in Wales. to be peaceful and will take

The organisers have limited the

I will be the organiser in control

attend, and if so, is there a law against

Can we be seen to be linking arms, and in a huddle together?

AIn normal times, the answer would be fairly straight forward as there is currently a right to a peaceful protest. It would always be best to liaise with the police beforehand so as to ensure that matters can run smoothly. However, as we are currently still in national lockdown because of the Covid 19 Pandemic the position is somewhat different. Under the Coronavirus Act 2020, specifically passed due to the pandemic, 50 people would be classed as a mass gathering. Currently, a maximum of 4 people from 2 households can meet outdoors, social distanced which in Wales is still 2 metres apart. It is a gathering as the number of people gathered together has the potential to strain the planning response sources of the health system in the community it takes place. If you attend a mass gathering the police have powers to issue individual financial penalties of £200, but for organisers of the event up to a £10,000 fine. However, the police have even strong powers to arrest people, and this is likely to be exercised if people refuse to disperse. If you are arrested you are likely to be taken to the local police station and given a fixed penalty.