Activists could be jailed for six months for protesting outside MPs’ homes

A protest outside Downing Street. The amendment excludes official residences, so would allow protests outside Downing Street or grace-and-favour homes for ministers. Photograph: Joao Daniel Pereira/Zuma Press/Rex/Shutterstock

Activists could be jailed for up to six months for protesting outside MPs’ homes in England and Wales under a new law aimed at tackling harassment of politicians after a surge of intimidation complaints.

The law would criminalise protests outside the homes of MPs, peers and councillors as well as others who have stood for public office – and is likely to draw further criticism that the government is squeezing the right to protest.