Controversy Surrounds Coronation Arrests and Protest Laws

Conservative MP David Davis has criticised the new Public Order Act, under which six anti-monarchy protesters were arrested on Coronation day, as too crude and too broad. The Metropolitan Police has expressed regret over the arrests after a review found there was no proof the six protesters with anti-monarchy group Republic were planning to use "lock on" devices. The law created new offences of "locking on" and "going equipped" to lock on to buildings, street furniture, and other people. The law was passed only a few days before the Coronation.