We examined anti-protest laws across the west. Britain stood out, and not in a good way

These sentences are longer than those imposed on many of those involved in violent acts during the recent racist riots in Southport. They are the kinds of sentences that western governments routinely denounce when they are imposed on peaceful protesters in places such as Cambodia and Russia. While climate protesters are being sentenced to long prison terms, UK prisons are full to the brim – with the government even releasing some violent offenders early because of overcrowding.