Police warning over planned ‘Bill’ protest
POLICE have issued a warning to people planning to take part in protests scheduled to take place in Newcastle over the Easter weekend.
Hundreds of people are expected to flood the city centre streets once again for another “Kill the Bill” demonstration, which has been organised for 1pm on Saturday at Monument.
The rally is one of dozens expected to take place across the country opposing the Government’s controversial Police and Crime Bill, which would give police and the Home Secretary increased powers to stop protests.
Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail.
Protests in England are now once again permitted under new coronavirus laws which came into force on March 29.
Under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021, protests will be considered a permitted exception to the rules banning group gatherings.
The demonstrations can only go ahead if the organiser “takes the required precautions in relation to the gathering”, the law says, which is likely to include making the event “Covid-secure” such as ensuring people wear face masks and are socially distanced.
Northumbria Police has said they will have an increased presence in the city centre over the Easter weekend for the planned demonstrations. A spokeswoman for the force said: “We are aware that a range of groups plan to protest in the centre of Newcastle on Saturday.
“While current Covid-19 legislation does limit gatherings, protests are permitted provided organisers take the required precautions to limit the risk of spreading the virus.
“We would therefore ask that everyone adheres to the rules and guidance which are in place to protect communities.
“The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold.
“Ensuring the safety of everyone, including those participating in the protests, other members of the public and our officers, is our utmost priority.
“We will have an increased presence in the city to deliver a proportionate policing response to any protest activity taking place.”
It comes after three arrests were made during a Kill the Bill protest in Newcastle on March 21, during which an estimated 600 people turned out.
Demonstrators initially gathered at Monument at around midday before making their way along Grainger Street, Market Street and Percy Street to congregate outside Newcastle Civic Centre.
There was a huge police presence with the city centre flooded with officers with cars, vans, riot shields and horses.
Parts of the city centre were locked down, with a cordon of police on Barras Bridge and St Mary’s Place.
Demonstrators then marched along Claremont Road to Exhibition Park chanting “Kill the Bill” and “Whose streets? Our streets!”.
Many were wearing face masks and carried placards, saying: “We will not be silenced”, “Freedom to protest” and “Kill the Bill”.
Protesters were also out in force against gender-based violence following the death of 33-year-old Sarah Everard in London.
Once at Exhibition Park, a number of emotional speeches took place with speakers sharing their experiences of abuse.
Northumbria Police later confirmed two men had been issued with a summons under coronavirus legislation following the demonstration.
Meanwhile a woman, who was also arrested, was issued a cannabis warning after she found to be in possession of the Class-B drug.
To avoid a repeat of these scenes, there was a heavy police presence surrounding Grey’s Monument last weekend as officers tried to deter protesters descending on Newcastle city centre for the sake of public health.