52 people were arrested by the Metropolitan police before and during King Charles III’s coronation on May 6. The arrests were made due to offences including affray, public order offences, breach of the peace, and conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Republic CEO Graham Smith and Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper expressed their concerns regarding the balance between the right to protest and policing international events. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer defended the Met, stating they got the balance right. The police claimed they received intelligence suggesting that protesters intended to disrupt the coronation procession, leading to the arrests. Smith criticized the police for their actions, claiming that Republic’s protest was lawful and peaceful. Furthermore, the straps that were deemed as locking devices were intended for placards. The new Public Order Act holds protesters who cause obstruction liable for a fine of up to 12 months in prison. Frazer trusts the police to use their new powers correctly, while Cooper criticized the government for not enshrining a legal responsibility on the police to facilitate peaceful protests. Several Labour MPs also criticized the Met for the arrests. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting stressed the importance of police accountability in the situation.