GB News star Alex Armstrong blasts ‘disgraceful’ behaviour at memorials as new law introduced: 'About time!'

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say While the legislation has been welcomed by many, Alex's remarks quickly drew a mixed reaction online.We need to reopen the insane asylums, people like that cannot be in our society, one person penned, as another commented: Except, of course, if they claim to have mental health issues...Someone else declared: We need to hold the police to it!Others argued the new law reflects wider concerns about public order, with one user writing: “Does it not just show you, though, how far the country has marched in the wrong direction from basic law and order? For something as basic as this to be announced as new policy...”Some went further, saying: Simply ban marches that have no interest to UK, if Palestine’s want to kick and shout. Pack their bags and ship them all to the Palatines. This is not a UK issue.However, one person suggested: “It’s those same British heroes that gave them the right to do that.”The legislation forms part of a wider effort to give police clearer powers to intervene during protests, particularly where demonstrators are seen to cross established boundaries at nationally significant sites.Minister for Crime and Policing Sarah Jones said the new rules are designed to strike a balance between maintaining public safety and protecting the right to peaceful protest.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSBBC antiques expert blasts pub closures as threat to British life: 'Keep them open!'Harry Styles' 'engagement' prompts Channing Tatum to break silence on ex with cryptic postJesy Nelson shares emotional update as daughter defies the odds after devastating SMA diagnosisAbout time too. I’m sick of seeing people deface our monuments and statues of British heroes. A good reform by the Home Secretary. pic.twitter.com/Vjjkeug3Wq— Alex Armstrong (@Alexarmstrong) April 29, 2026 “The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy — and we will always defend it,” she said.“But that right does not extend to climbing our memorials, hiding behind masks, or putting the public at risk with flares and fireworks.“Our fallen heroes deserve dignity and respect. These new powers send a clear message: those who cross the line will be held to account.”The measures will also allow police to designate areas where wearing face coverings during protests is an offence, with penalties including fines and potential jail time.Supporters of the crackdown argue it is necessary to prevent damage to historic sites and ensure public safety, while critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on civil liberties.Dal Babu, former Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, said: “The new Crime and Policing Act is a piece of legislation that I welcome.“It will help police to deal with the emerging problems of some demonstrators masking up to use anonymity to attack police and deliberately disrespect memorials to the dead.“Although the majority of protestors are law-abiding, a hard core from across the political spectrum attend marches masked up, with pyrotechnics designed to attack police and oppositions.“The new legislation will help deal with this worrying trend.” Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter