Dropping the case against the Fortnum protesters is not as interesting as their charges of aggravated trespass. This is yet another threat to the freedom to protest

One repercussion from a stream of protests against the Government over the last few months has been the number of arrests and prosecutions of those involved. David Mead looks at the increasing use of criminal sanctions for civil actions, and how this may have a chilling effect on those wishing to maintain their right to protest.