The following questions are in relation to this passage, from the Draft Explanatory Memorandum that accompanies the draft statutory instrument 'The Public Order Act 2023 (Interference With Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025. “Consultation for the option of amending Section 7 has taken place informally via engagement with key stakeholders, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the National Police Coordination Centre, and local police forces who regularly police protest activity targeting the Life Sciences sector. Stakeholders were clear that existing powers did not go far enough to tackle the behaviour threatening the viability of the sector to continue to operate in the UK. The option to amend Section 7 of the Public Order Act 2023 was the key outcome of the engagement. The affected parties are clear that once this amendment comes into force, it will have a positive operational impact. Consultation for this amendment took place informally due to the urgency of the threat to the Life Sciences sector as a result of disruptive protest activity.”

1. Was the Local Authority part of the above consultation?

2. If so, who was the LA's representative?