'Sneaky’ law change could criminalise peaceful protest against animal testing

Friday 9 January, 2026

Naturewatch Foundation is urging Members of Parliament to vote against a controversial Statutory Instrument (SI) next week (14 January 2026) warning it represents a quiet but dangerous attack on democratic protest and transparency around animal testing.

Under the Public Order Act 2023, protests can already be restricted around “Key National Infrastructure” — such as roads, rail, oil and gas facilities — if they significantly disrupt services that keep the country running.