People “absolutely have a right to protest” against the monarchy following the death of the Queen, police have confirmed.
There have been several arrests since King Charles III became monarch, while protesters were moved on in London, Scotland and Oxford.
Campaign groups have warned that some of the arrests may be unlawful.
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement after a viral video from Parliament Square in central London showed a barrister who was holding up a blank piece of paper being asked for his details by an officer.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “We’re aware of a video online showing an officer speaking with a member of the public outside the Palace of Westminster earlier today.
“The public absolutely have a right of protest and we have been making this clear to all officers involved in the extraordinary policing operation currently in place and we will continue do so.
“However, the overwhelming majority of interactions between officers and public at this time have been positive as people have come to the capital to mourn the loss of Her Late Majesty the Queen.”
Paul Powlesland, 36, a barrister and nature rights activist from Barking in east London, had travelled into the centre of the capital on Monday afternoon with “a blank piece of paper”.
“Why would you ask for my details?” he can be heard asking the officer in a video, who said: “I wanted to make sure you didn’t have bail conditions (inaudible).”
The officer replied: “You said you were going to write stuff on it, that may offend people, around the King. It may offend someone.”
Mr Powlesland said the officer told him he risked being arrested if he wrote “not my King” on the paper.
Elsewhere, a protester bearing a hand-made sign saying “not my king” was ushered away from the Palace of Westminster by police.
The woman was spoken to by police before being escorted away by a group of officers.
Under Scottish law, someone can be charged with a public order offence of breaching the peace if their behaviour is disorderly and could have a negative effect on those who witness it such as swearing or shouting.
In England and Wales, offences of disorderly behaviour which is likely to cause others present harassment, alarm or distress fall under section 5 of the Public Order Act and could lead to a fine.
Elsewhere, a protester bearing a hand-made sign saying “not my king” was ushered away from the Palace of Westminster by police.
The woman was spoken to by police before being escorted away by a group of officers.
Under Scottish law, someone can be charged with a public order offence of breaching the peace if their behaviour is disorderly and could have a negative effect on those who witness it such as swearing or shouting.
In England and Wales, offences of disorderly behaviour which is likely to cause others present harassment, alarm or distress fall under section 5 of the Public Order Act and could lead to a fine.
A number of campaign groups have expressed concern at the way officers are policing protests as the new King is declared.
Ruth Smeeth, chief executive of Index on Censorship, said the arrests were “deeply concerning”, adding: “The fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the right to protest, is something to be protected regardless of circumstance.”
Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said: “If people are being arrested simply for holding protest placards then it is an affront to democracy and highly likely to be unlawful.”
Jodie Beck, policy and campaigns officer at Liberty, said: “Protest is not a gift from the State, it is a fundamental right. Being able to choose what, how, and when we protest is a vital part of a healthy and functioning democracy.”
