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Guidance

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

Published 29 June 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/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

The Crime and Policing Act 2026, section 161, introduces a new offence of climbing on specified memorials.

The measure responds to public concern about individuals climbing on memorials during protests, behaviour that has caused considerable distress, particularly when it involves sites of national importance.

War memorials and other significant memorials are important symbols of remembrance and collective memory and must be treated with dignity. Incidents of memorials being climbed on have led to calls for stronger protections to prevent such behaviour.

Section 161 of the Crime and Policing Ac 2026 allows the Secretary of State to add further memorials to the list of specified memorials through secondary legislation, where there is a significant public interest in doing so.

Public recommendations

The Home Office may invite public recommendations for memorials to be considered for inclusion through a time limited application process.

Timing

The timing of any application window is to be confirmed. Further information will be published on GOV.UK if and when an application window is opened.

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

Requirements and factors

Recommendations would be assessed against the following requirements and factors.

Mandatory requirements

These must be met:

  • the memorial must have a commemorative purpose, as defined in the legislation
  • the memorial must be permanent and intended for long term commemoration
  • the owner or occupier of the memorial must provide written consent, including consent to install signage stating that it is an offence to climb on the memorial

Supporting factors

Supporting factors may strengthen a recommendation but are not required by law. They help inform whether adding a memorial is in the significant public interest.

Evidence may include photographs, videos, police or media reports, or documented incidents.

This information may be considered but is not required.

2. Public significance (local or national)

This may include listing status, recognition by heritage bodies or public authorities, historical or archival evidence, or records of commemorations.

Both local and national significance are relevant.

3. Location and vulnerability

This may include high footfall civic spaces, areas regularly used for protests, or locations near government buildings or symbolic sites.

Information that may be requested

If an application window is opened, respondents may be asked to include:

  • details of the memorial (what it commemorates, location, and ownership)
  • signed consent from the owner or responsible body
  • any relevant supporting evidence relating to:
    • protest related risk
    • public significance
    • location‑based or visibility‑related risk

Next steps

Further updates will be published on GOV.UK.

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