Police Reform And Social Responsibility Act 2011
mail@peacestrike (Peace Strike) | 20.09.2011 14:55 | London
* ALERT * ALERT * ALERT *
New legislation that will prohibit the right to 24hr on-going protest at Parliament Square.
On September 15th the 'Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill' passed through Parliament and was granted ROYAL ASSENT. This means that it has now become law.
Clause 3 of this new law relates specifically to demonstrations in and around Parliament Square.It states that protest will not now be allowed to cover a 24hour period and be on-going. You will not be allowed any articles associated with being able to maintain an on-going presence. Articles to include tents, sleeping bags, and structures. It could presumably include umbrellas and stools if they think you intend to stay. These artiicles can be confiscated if you do not move on.
What the Act does not make clear is the harm it is trying to address. What is the justification for such severe and harsh restrictions?
Originally it was proposed that if a person defied this new restriction then an 'On the Spot' injunction could be imposed with no court hearing. Also just as alarming, non- police staff, not in unifirm could could confiscate articles associated with a persons protest. The Bill was ammended and at the moment the final Act has not been printed, as I am aware. Things might have improved, though this would seem unlikely.
This Act will be open to legal challenge and it is important that people are aware of this legislation. It is not mentioned in the mainstream press and the public at large will be unaware that our great country has slid further down the slippery slope towards more oppression and control.
WHEN A COUNRTY WAGES IMMORAL, ILLEGAL, ON_GOING CORPORATE WARS FOR YEARS, (with no end in sight) PROTESTERS HAVE A DUTY TO REFLECT THIS INJUSTICE AND DEMAND THEY STOP!
The legislation was rushed through during the Summer reccess.
The immediate threat to the present on-going Parliament Square Protests, is the up and comong High Court Injunction being brought by Westminster City Council for 'Obstruction of the Highway' This should start sometime in October. Keep alert to further postings,
With thanks,
Peace Strike
Parliament Square
07907 233 861
http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/policereformandsocialresponsibility.html
mail@peacestrike (Peace Strike)
Original article on IMC London:
http://london.indymedia.org/articles/10215