Priti Patel to outline new powers to stop disruptive activists from travelling after Insulate Britain protests

Priti Patel will hand new powers to the police which will allow them to stop disruptive protesters from travelling around the country.

The move comes after a series of demonstrations by Insulate Britain on major roads in England has caused delays to motorists.

We want to hear from you: let us know what you think about this story and be part of the debate in our comments section below

At a glance: 5 key points

• The Home Secretary will say in her Conservative party conference speech that the introduction of criminal disruption prevention orders will stop the movement of “prolific offenders”. The move is likely to anger civil liberty groups.
• Ms Patel is also preparing to announce an increase in the maximum penalties for disrupting a motorway, while also criminalising interference with major roads, railways and the press.
• She is expected to say that the new powers will help police deal with the “small minority of offenders” who are “intent” on travelling around the country with the aim of “causing disruption and misery across our communities”.
• Meanwhile, Ms Patel will also say that there is “no reason” for an asylum seeker to cross the Channel from France as she renews her vow to control the flow of small boats arriving into the UK.
• In the wake of the murder of Ms Everard at the hands of police officer Wayne Couzens and the death of Sabina Nessa, she will say those targeting women and girls will “feel the full force of the law” upon them.

What’s been said

“Such unconscionable crimes and acts of violence against women and girls have no place in our society. And that is why I have redoubled my efforts to ensure women and girls feel safer.”

What Priti Patel is scheduled to say

What else Priti Patel will say

The Home Secretary will also use her Conservative Party conference address to announce a £15 million expansion in testing suspects for drugs on arrest, which could lead them to being given treatment for their addictions.

She will also announce five pilot areas will be given extra powers to test suspects arrested on suspicion of crimes beyond the usual “trigger” offences.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.