Live animal exports activists have been "threatened" with fines of up to £10,000 by police ahead of a planned protest, according to a Kent MP.

The 'Joline' ship is set to sail out of Ramsgate this coming Monday with the animals on board.

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay - who backs campaigners - says Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) has been informed by police that anybody joining the regular protest could be fined.

He says the 75-year-old facilitator of the protest, Yvonne Birchall, has been threatened with a fine of £10,000 as an "organiser".

Rules under the second lockdown prohibit gatherings of more than two people. While there are certain exemptions, protests are not allowed.

Mr Mackinlay was one of just 38 MPs to vote against the new national restrictions.

“This strict interpretation of the latest Coronavirus Regulations, which came into force on November 5, and the very concept of making such peaceful activities illegal, backed up with criminal records and fines, are one of the many reasons I voted against these draconian regulations last week," he said.

“The regular protest would, as ever, be held outside on public highway with attendees undoubtedly more than capable of maintaining sensible social distancing.

"While pure protests are banned under the rules, such regular gatherings against this foul trade have a further purpose of evidence gathering of any wrongdoing by the shippers and hauliers involved in this trade.

“I appreciate this puts Kent Police in an unenviable situation of interpreting and implementing hastily drafted rules and I sympathise with that.

“I am in contact with Kent Police and Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner to try to resolve this nonsensical impasse but as things stand there is probably no solution and we can but hope that something closer to normality can return after December 2.

“I would ask campaigners, however reluctant they may be, to sit this one out and I can only apologise for the situation.”

Kent Police Divisional Commander for East Kent, Chief Superintendent Nigel Brookes said: "Protests are not exempt from the current Government restrictions and therefore, anyone who attends to protest risks not only their own health, but they will be liable for a £200 fine for breaching the regulations.

"Police remain in contact with organisers who understand that being involved in the holding of a large gathering in the middle of a pandemic while we remain in a national lockdown, will result in a £10,000 fine.

"Kent Police officers continue to work closely with our partner agencies and will engage, explain and encourage people to comply with coronavirus legislation.

"Where people refuse to listen and comply – and are putting others at risk – we will take robust enforcement action."

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