What does the pledge mean?

In its manifesto, Labour said it would introduce new Respect Orders, giving powers to “ban persistent adult offenders from town centres, which will stamp out issues such as public drinking and drug use”.

The measure supports one of the government’s five headline missions, to “take back our streets”, as set out in Labour’s manifesto. Justice is devolved to Scotland and Northern Ireland, so this pledge applies only to England and Wales.

What progress has been made?

The provisions needed to bring in Respect Orders form part of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which was given Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. We’re still rating this pledge “appears on track”, however, as the relevant section of the Act has not yet come into force.

However, the Home Office has said Respect Orders will be introduced from 26 October 2026.

The government says Respect Orders will give the police and local councils powers to crack down on those involved in repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour, such as street drinking, vandalism, harassment or riding off-road bikes in public parks.

Failure to comply with Respect Orders will be a criminal offence, and the police will be able to arrest anyone who breaches them. Potential punishments include prison sentences of up to two years, unlimited fines, community orders and curfews.