Britain will introduce a new criminal offence banning protests outside the homes of elected officials, judges and local councillors, as part of wider efforts to curb harassment and intimidation in politics, APA reports citing Reuters.
Under the Crime and Policing Bill, police would be given powers to stop demonstrations aimed at influencing officials in their public duties or private lives, the government said on Tuesday. Those convicted could face up to six months in prison.
"The level of abuse faced by those taking part in British politics is truly shocking - it's a threat to our democracy," security minister Dan Jarvis said in a statement.
"People should be able to participate in our politics without fearing for their own or their family's safety."
A parliamentary survey found that 96% of British lawmakers had experienced harassment, while an independent body that oversees elections in Britain said more than half of candidates in the last general election faced threats or intimidation.
