The Public Order Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) (England and Wales) Regulations 2024

These Regulations bring into force provisions of the Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15) (“the Act”). They are the sixth commencement regulations to be made under the Act, but the fifth which extend only to England and Wales.

Regulation 2 brings into force section 9 of the Act.

Section 9 of the Act establishes “safe access zones” around abortion clinics. It makes it an offence within a safe access zone to intentionally or recklessly influence, obstruct, or cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person in connection with their decision to access, provide, or facilitate the provision of abortion services at an abortion clinic. It defines the boundaries of safe access zones and outlines exceptions, such as for activities inside dwellings or places of worship. It also specifies the maximum penalty for the offence, which is an unlimited fine.

A full impact assessment has not been prepared for this instrument as the Regulations themselves have no impact on the private, voluntary or public sector. A full impact assessment has been prepared in relation to the Act, and a copy is available at https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3153/publications. A hard copy can be obtained by writing to the Home Office, Direct Communications Unit, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF, United Kingdom.