Member

To conclude, I state again: this order does not stop anybody peacefully, lawfully protesting. That is a cornerstone of our democracy. This Government respect and revere that right and we will always defend it. But, equally, our approach must be appropriately balanced and that means in this context that we must take into account the duty on us to protect what is, in our opinion, key national infrastructure. Where disruption threatens medical progress and places in jeopardy our national capability to prepare for and respond to a public health emergency, this Government must act. The only reasonable response is the one we are taking today.