PROTEST AT PLANS TO RESTRICT PEACEFUL PROTEST

Over the years I have taken part in many protests in central London. Most marching past the House of Commons and down Whitehall.

But our rights to do so could be further eroded under plans to extend already draconian protest laws.

Sections 132 to 138 of the 2005 Serious Organised Crime and Police Act ban protests in the vicinity of Parliament which are carried out without obtaining permission from the Government six days in advance. The law was originally passed in an attempt to get rid of peace protestor Brian Haw (pictured) - but a judge ruled that the powers did not apply to his long-standing demonstration. However, many others have since been arrested for staging small protests. Now there are plans to "harmonise" ( lovely Orwellian word) those police powers . Which is why representatives from all political parties were outside Number 10 yesterday.
Labour 's John McDonnell, Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes, Tory MP Daniel Kawczynksi, and Plaid Cymru 's Adam Price joined Green Party Greater London Assembly member Jenny Jones, Lib Dem peer Baroness Miller, Labour NEC member Walter Wolfgang and campaigning comic Mark Thomas to deliver a petition. They are urging people to respond to the consultation before the January 17 deadline and register their opposition to further restrictions on the right to freedom of assembly.

John McDonnell said: "We're hoping that, once people become aware of what the government's plans are, they'll be outraged. We'll be able to prevent any further assault on civil liberties."
Details of the consultation can be found at http://www.repeal-socpa.info/