2pm Sunday 14th August, 2005
Parliament Street Fountain, York
In solidarity with those seeking to challenge the new law that infringes the right to assemble and protest in Parliament Square, London, a group in York has decided to call a "Freedom Picnic" in York's aptly named Parliament Street this Sunday.
Parliament Street Fountain, York
In solidarity with those seeking to challenge the new law that infringes the right to assemble and protest in Parliament Square, London, a group in York has decided to call a "Freedom Picnic" in York's aptly named Parliament Street this Sunday.
As most of you will know, it is now illegal to spontaneously assemble in Parliament Square for a protest. Already, many have taken part in attempts to challenge this law, and over 20 have been arrested. (See 
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/08/320283.html)
This means that any group wishing to assemble must ask for permission from the police, giving the Metropolitan Police the right to decide who is worthy of the right to protest and who isn't.
This requirement for police support could easily become the beginning of a slippery slope towards greater Police Interference with the right protest. The law is also making a mockery claims that Britain is working for greater democracy worldwide.
Meet by the fountain in Parliament Street at 2pm. Bring food, friends and any ideas you have concerning this law. If you have a t-shirt which relates to a campaign which has protested in or around Parliament Square you might want to wear it.
If anyone wants to make a banner stating opposition to the new laws, please do so. We hope to have local press attention, though this will be a fairly informal chance to meet and enjoy freedom of assembly in York's most closely named location.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/08/320283.html) This means that any group wishing to assemble must ask for permission from the police, giving the Metropolitan Police the right to decide who is worthy of the right to protest and who isn't.
This requirement for police support could easily become the beginning of a slippery slope towards greater Police Interference with the right protest. The law is also making a mockery claims that Britain is working for greater democracy worldwide.
Meet by the fountain in Parliament Street at 2pm. Bring food, friends and any ideas you have concerning this law. If you have a t-shirt which relates to a campaign which has protested in or around Parliament Square you might want to wear it.
If anyone wants to make a banner stating opposition to the new laws, please do so. We hope to have local press attention, though this will be a fairly informal chance to meet and enjoy freedom of assembly in York's most closely named location.
