PROTECT PROTEST RIGHTS

YOUR readers might not be aware of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently making its way through parliament.

If they are it might seem an insignificant piece of legislation unlikely to affect their life.

If it passes however it will have a profound effect on their right to demonstrate peacefully.

This in my view is a fundamental part of a modern democracy.

The police in the form of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) have raised grave concerns both regarding their power to enforce it and for its effect on a healthy democracy.

The next time a group of residents, or even a single resident, wants to protest against a housing development or a council decision, the police could just say ‘No.’

I would encourage any readers who are worried at the prospect of this right to protest being curtailed to write to their MP and request they oppose this repressive legislation. They could alternatively support organisations like Unlock Democracy which are campaigning against the Bill by visiting https://unlockdemocracy.org.uk/.

Dr Peter Hirst via email