MOD Police have power to crack down on 'disruptive' protestors

Ministry of Defence Police will now have the power to move static protestors, like those who block roads, under new measures that are part of an effort to crack down on environmental activists.

Along with being able to move protestors, 'tunnelling' – the digging of makeshift tunnels as a protest tactic – is now deemed a criminal offence.

Being found guilty of tunnelling or "being present in a tunnel to cause serious disruption" could see someone jailed for up to three years.

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Being found guilty of taking equipment to tunnel will carry a maximum penalty of six months in prison, while anyone found guilty of obstructing a major transport works could face the same punishment.

The MOD and British Police will both work together to enforce this new legislation.

The Home Office said the move would free up officers, as Suella Braverman hit out at "mayhem" being caused on the streets.

Ms Braverman said: "Hard-working people want to be able to go about their daily lives without disruption from a selfish minority.

"The Public Order Act is delivering on our commitment to allow people to get on with their daily business. We will keep our roads and those hard-working people moving."