Banning of protest is always the wrong idea

I AM male and a Christian who believes in people having choice whilst being “pro life”.

But what these words mean should not be determined by others. I’ve friends I admire who are active in the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, but am not a member, nor have I joined them in protests.

There are no easy and cost-free decisions in this area, especially for people facing “unwanted”, or at least unplanned pregnancies. Whatever they do they will have to live with, for good and ill, for the rest of their lives.

Since abortion became more accessible in Britain 50 years ago, virtually all families will have had to face this crisis and come to decisions, knowing that some of the pathways, situations and support, second best perhaps, available in previous years are now gone.

You don’t have to listen to the Archers to know something of the heartache, conflicts, pain, long-term misery, complications and problems (along with joys) jagged relationships and pregnancy bring.

I have no wish to condone the terrorising of women (and it is primarily women) in crisis by aggressive behaviours. Everybody needs respect and love, especially at crossroads in their life, and I’m glad the city council feels it wants to support these viewpoints.

However, this is not to accept the totalitarian and illiberal imposition of a Public Space Protection Order declaring protest no-go areas.

These offer a slippery slope to bans outside businesses, politicians’ surgeries and offices, and other institutions that are linked with the politico-economic status quo.

Manchester is adorned with statues and memorials. Some are of great (men) of science, but many are of those whose beliefs and social concerns led them to political action to address what they saw to be wrong.

We already have a situation where key swathes of supposedly public space in our city are frequently offlimits to protesters - rallies are dispatched to Castlefield rather than Albert Square.

It seems the attitudes of our city grandees haven’t entirely advanced since 1819 - “move along please, we don’t want any unpleasantness stopping businesses making money”.

We have laws in our land and police to enforce them. If people are being menaced, stalked, harassed or intimidated, let them be brought to court and the law act.

PSPOs are wrong. Concerned liberal