Climbing on memorials offence

Offence of climbing on memorials: adding memorials to the list of specified memorials under section 161, Crime and Policing Act 2026

Details

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces a new offence of climbing on specified memorials and allows the Secretary of State to add further memorials to the list of specified memorials through secondary legislation where there is significant public interest.

The Home Office will use a time-limited application process to invite public recommendations to add to the list where there is a clear need to consider further additions.

Any application window will be opened only when necessary and will not operate on a continuous basis.

Recommendations will be assessed against a clear, non-exhaustive set of criteria to ensure consistency and proportionality while preserving ministerial discretion.

Mandatory requirements include that the memorial must have a commemorative purpose, be permanent, and have the consent of the owner or responsible body.

Supporting factors, such as protest-related risk, public significance, and location or vulnerability, may be considered but are not required.

Submitting a recommendation does not guarantee that a memorial will be added to the list.