London, UK: A cabinet minister has claimed that King Charles’s coronation presents an opportunity to demonstrate the UK’s freedom, following the government’s expedited passing of a bill to tighten protest regulations.
Mr. Tom Tugendhat, the security minister, has justified the recently enacted legislation, which involves a one-year jail term for demonstrators who obstruct roadways and a six-month imprisonment or an unbounded fine for those who attach themselves to objects, individuals, or structures. Additionally, law enforcement personnel will have the authority to halt and inspect protesters whom they believe are attempting to incite “disruption.”
Despite official warning letters dispatched to anti-monarchy activists intending to conduct peaceful demonstrations during the coronation, the cabinet minister emphasized that citizens will retain the right to protest.
Operation Golden Orb, the security operation for the upcoming coronation, is set to involve the mobilization of thousands of officers from various regions of the UK.
Hundreds of uniformed police will be stationed along the pathway leading to Westminster Abbey, while undercover officers will be interspersed among the crowds. Snipers will be strategically positioned on building rooftops.
Tugendhat expressed his “great pride” in the “prompt and suitable” response of the police to an individual who hurled “shotgun cartridges” into the grounds of Buckingham Palace. According to the Metropolitan Police, the man who threw several items as he approached the gates of Buckingham Palace was apprehended and taken into custody around 7 PM. Upon being searched, he was found to possess a knife and was consequently arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon. However, there was no firearm found on his person.
During the incident that occurred on 2nd May 2023, the King and Queen Consort were not present at Buckingham Palace. Nevertheless, earlier that same day, the King welcomed Australia’s Prime Minister, Mr. Anthony Albanese, to the palace for an audience.