TORY plans to crack down on the right to protest are an “unprecedented, draconian assault on British liberty,” Labour MP Jon Trickett has warned.

The left-wing member for Hemsworth in West Yorkshire told the Commons on Tuesday that ministers are attempting to strengthen the “repressive arms of the British state” via the widely condemned Public Order Bill.

Downing Street claims that the legislation, which is back in the Commons after being amended by peers, is needed to avoid disruption caused by environmental activists at Just Stop Oil, Insulate Britain and Extinction Rebellion.