Jonathan Gullis has today welcomed the Home Secretary’s announcement that an Amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill will be laid to protect war memorials.
In 2021, Jonathan introduced the Desecration of War Memorials Bill to Parliament. It was designed to strengthen the courts’ powers to protect war memorials by increasing sentences for the ignorant few who vandalise memorials by up to ten years. Previously, vandals would be fined £5000 but now we have laws in place to punish people robustly.
In the wake of pro-Palestinian protestors climbing on the Royal Artillery in Hyde Park in November, the Home Secretary has announced plans review the existing laws.
Jonathan has said this is a “victory for the law-abiding majority” and welcomes the important step forward.
In an OPED for the Daily Express, Gullis said that “This [Amendment] takes the politics out of policing protests and gives the Police clear and unambiguous powers to punish protestors who climb on memorial.
Protestors who climb on memorials will face three month prison sentences and significant fines.
Gullis went on to say that “The right to protest is a fundamental part of our democracy. But it isn’t something that should be taken for granted. People have sacrificed their lives to ensure we have the right to protest.”
Commenting, Jonathan Gullis said: “War memorials honour our national heroes who sacrificed so much to protect our fundamental freedoms, like the right to protest.”
“This vital Amendment takes the politics out of Policing and makes it clear that the police have the powers to punish any thug who disrespects our nation’s heroes.”