Member

Amendment 369A from the noble Lord, Lord Strasburger, is modest and proportionate. It is important because it tackles what Justice has noted as poor drafting that could make criminals of protesters who have legitimate reasons for insisting on remaining anonymous. All the noble Lord suggests is a reasonable excuse clause, and that would not prevent the police dealing with those wearing face coverings to intimidate and avoid arrest. As we have heard, the police already have such powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act but, regardless, they do not use them.