Oppose plans to designate “life sciences” as Key National Infrastructure

The Government is quietly pushing through a change to the law that would dramatically restrict the public’s right to protest.

The Government is proposing to expand the Public Order Act so that the “life sciences” sector, including animal testing facilities, is treated as Key National Infrastructure. If this happens, peaceful protest could be restricted or criminalised in ways we’ve never seen before.

This isn’t about tackling violence or serious crime. The Public Order Act already gives police wide-ranging powers. This proposal would go further, risking bans, arrests, and harsh penalties for people taking part in lawful, peaceful protest.

Why this matters?

Peaceful protest against animal testing has a long and legitimate history in the UK. Many people have ethical, scientific, and moral objections to animal experimentation, and the right to express those views peacefully is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

More than 15,000 people contacted their MPs in less than 24 hours when this proposal was first considered. MPs raised concerns in Parliament. The public response has been overwhelming, and for good reason.

Designating “life sciences” as Key National Infrastructure would:

Expand sweeping public order powers even further
Risk suppressing lawful, peaceful protest
Set a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent
Undermine public trust and democratic rights

It also sits uneasily with the Government’s own stated commitment to phasing out animal testing. Restricting protest while claiming to support reform sends a deeply contradictory message.

Why your action matters now?

This proposal may soon come before the House of Lords.
The Lords play a crucial role in scrutinising legislation and preventing unnecessary or disproportionate restrictions on fundamental rights. They need to hear from the public, now.

By signing this petition, you will:

Add your name to a growing public call for restraint
Contact members of the House of Lords directly
Urge them to vote against expanding the Public Order Act
Defend the right to peaceful protest

Take action!

Sign the petition and contact the House of Lords today. Don’t let peaceful protest be quietly shut down.

16,413 people have taken action

First Name

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Subject

Message

Dear Lord Grade of Yarmouth,

I am writing as a member of the public to ask that, should the Government’s proposal to designate the “life sciences” sector as Key National Infrastructure under the Public Order Act 2023 come before the House of Lords, you vote against it.
On January 14th, Members of Parliament voted by 301 to 110 in favour of approving this measure in the House of Commons. While I recognise the outcome of that vote, it makes the scrutiny role of the House of Lords all the more important, particularly where significant civil liberties concerns remain unresolved.
The Public Order Act has already raised serious concerns about its impact on the rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. These concerns have been raised by civil liberties organisations, legal experts, parliamentarians from across parties, and UN Special Rapporteurs. Extending these powers further to cover the “life sciences” sector, including animal testing facilities, represents a substantial and troubling expansion of the Act’s scope.
Public concern about this proposal has been considerable. More than 15,000 people contacted their MPs in less than 24 hours ahead of its consideration by a Delegated Legislation Committee, and objections were raised during parliamentary proceedings. This level of engagement reflects widespread unease about the direction of travel, particularly in relation to protest rights.
Peaceful protest against animal testing has a long and legitimate history in the UK. Many people hold ethical, scientific, and moral objections to animal experimentation, and the ability to express those views through lawful protest is a fundamental component of a healthy democracy. Applying broad public order powers in this context risks being disproportionate and risks discouraging lawful, peaceful dissent.
I am also concerned that this proposal sits uneasily alongside the Government’s stated commitment to the long-term phasing out of animal testing. Restricting peaceful protest while maintaining such commitments risks sending a contradictory message and further undermining public trust.
At a time when civil liberties and democratic standards in the UK are under increasing scrutiny, the House of Lords plays a vital constitutional role in ensuring that legislation is necessary, proportionate, and compatible with fundamental rights. Measures that risk suppressing lawful protest or chilling public debate should therefore be approached with particular caution.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask that you oppose any proposal to include the “life sciences” sector within the definition of Key National Infrastructure under the Public Order Act.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns.

Yours sincerely,

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Oppose plans to designate “life sciences” as Key National Infrastructure

The Government is quietly pushing through a change to the law that would dramatically restrict the public’s right to protest.

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