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<p>The Government has been clear that for democracy to be conducted properly, those
who participate must feel safe to express their views, and the views of their constituents,
without fear of harm.</p><p>The right to peaceful protest is fundamental, but this
right does not extend to behaviour which causes harassment, alarm or distress to individuals
in their own home.</p><p>The police have a wide range of powers to tackle those who
seek to cause harassment, alarm and distress by protesting outside MPs homes. This
includes, but is not limited to, the power to direct individuals away from the vicinity
of the property if they are present for the purpose of persuading someone not to do
something within their rights or obligations, or to do something they are not obliged
to do. The police can issue any direction as is necessary to prevent harassment, alarm
or distress to the resident.</p><p>It is also unlawful for any person to trespass
on another person’s property, and aggravated trespass is a criminal offence.</p>
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