UK Plans Criminal Penalties for Climbing Churchill Statue

The UK government is introducing new laws making it a criminal offence to climb on Winston Churchill's statue in Parliament Square, with violators facing up to three months in jail and a £1,000 fine. Although the statue is not officially classified as a war memorial, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced it will be given special protected status under the Crime and Policing Bill, joining monuments like the Cenotaph and Royal Artillery Memorial. The move comes after repeated incidents where protesters have targeted the statue, and previously, only those causing criminal damage could be prosecuted. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Cooper both emphasized the importance of treating Churchill's statue with respect, citing its symbolic value and national significance. The law aims to ensure the monument is preserved with the same reverence as other memorials dedicated to the armed forces. The 12-foot statue was unveiled in 1973 and has become a frequent site for demonstrations in recent years.