The Government is proposing – among other things – more power for the police to “tackle non-violent protests” in what has become known as the “Police Bill”.
Yesterday thousands of people gathered in Bristol for a peaceful protest against the bill. According to the local Chief Constable Andy Marsh the event was hijacked by extremists. Several police officers were injured in the turmoil and seven people arrested.
Along with Home Secretary Priti Patel several politicians and high profile journalists have used strong language to condemn the protests in Bristol. They are right that violence should not be a successful route to make your point, not for rioters and equally not for people in power.
We must remember that there are already laws in place against violence and assault. These are acts which are not accepted in a democracy. The new law would criminalise non-violent protest, which is one of the pillars of a healthy democracy.
It’s crucial to distinguish the hijacking extremists from the legitimate protesters. Violent protests to safe-guard peaceful demonstrations are a contradiction in terms. They play into the hands of those who want to restrict our freedom of speech.
Photo: Sam Davies / Shutterstock.com
STANCE NEWS 