MP slams violence during bill protest

The MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, Bridget Phillipson, has condemned the violence which took place during a “Kill the Bill” protest in Bristol.

Violent scenes saw a police station attacked, officers injured and vehicles set on fire on Sunday.

Protesters gathered to oppose the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which is currently making its way through Parliament and if approved, will change the laws surrounding protests.

Ms Phillipson appeared on Sky News yesterday, where she condemned the actions of those involved in Sunday night’s violent scenes.

She said: “Of course the right to peaceful protest an an important part of our democracy but the events we saw last night in Bristol were just completely unacceptable and inexcusable.

"I’m very sorry to hear the police officers were injured in that and I really do hope they make a full and speedy recovery but there can be no excuse for the kind of violence that we saw.

"It is completely wrong and those involved should face the consequences of their actions.”

Under current legislation, the police have to prove a protest may result in “serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community” before restrictions can be put in place.

However, under the new proposed legislation, permission would have to be granted before a protest can be held and fines of up to £2,500 can be issued to protesters if it goes ahead without approval.