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<p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Peaceful protest is a vital part of a
democratic society. People must be free to gather together and to demonstrate their
views, provided that they do so within the law.</p><p> </p><p>But protestors' rights
must be balanced with the rights of others to go about their business without fear
of intimidation or serious disruption to the community. Rights to peaceful protest
do not extend to violent or threatening behaviour and the police have powers to deal
with any such acts.</p><p> </p><p>BEIS and the Home Office have regular discussions
across a wide range of topics of mutual interest, including protest activity related
to fracking.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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