Do You Hear The People Sing?

In a press release issued on 9 March 2021 the Government states that they want to – among other things – “Strengthen police powers to tackle non-violent protests…”.

The “non” in that quote is really rather worrying. Many hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, have made their voice heard over the last few years, marching through London and other places in the UK for a second referendum on Brexit. Despite the large number of people out in the street there was no violence and although the subject was serious the ambiance was cheerful.

A healthy democracy depends on free speech and the rule of law. There is reason for great concern when the Government chooses to attack our right to non-violent protests. It begs the question “What are they afraid of?” Maybe they don’t like the song of angry men.

In the same “justice overhaul” the Home Secretary and the Lord Chancellor also suggest an increase of the maximum penalty for criminal damage of a memorial from 3 months to 10 years, whereas for assaulting an emergency worker the maximum will be a mere 2 year sentence.

The Good Law Project has instructed experienced lawyers to look into this matter and produce a report.