Former Tory leader etc, Michael Howard supports a review of the SOCPA laws
in a reply to the 'Voices in the wIlderness' campaign postcard.
(OK so it's statist stuff as such, but a least yer know...)
in a reply to the 'Voices in the wIlderness' campaign postcard.
(OK so it's statist stuff as such, but a least yer know...)
Following received in reply to 'Voices' campaign postcard on SOCPA laws, from my MP Michael Howard. (Folkestone & Hythe)
House of Commons. 26 February
Dear Mr.............
Thank you for your recent corrrespondence regarding the Public Demonstrations (Repeals) Bill.
Conservatives share the serious concerns expressed reently by Baroness Miller, as well as those raised during the progress of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) about the implications of such legislation for freedom and democracy. The Conservative Shadow Home Affairs Minister in the Lords, Lady Anelay of St Johns, stressed during the progress of SOCPA that it is vital that the public are able to mount legitimate protest at the very doors of parliament.
The Government eventually made concessions surrounding the notice period for demonstrations and the exclusion of Trafalgar Square during the passage of SOCPA. Yet today we have a situation where, despite assurances made by Ministers during the passage of the Bills, the powers are being used to exclude peaceful protest, far beyond what was originally intended.
I believe that elements of SOCPA and the Terrorism ACt require review. As Shadow Home Secretary David Davis MP warned whenSOCPA was debated, the restrictions show contemp for democracy and contempt for the people's right to protest.
I am grateful to you for taking the time to write to me. I will certainly continue to do all I cabn to encourage the Government to review the way in which powers under SOCPA and the terrorism Act are used.
Yours sincerely. Michael Howard.
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House of Commons. 26 February
Dear Mr.............
Thank you for your recent corrrespondence regarding the Public Demonstrations (Repeals) Bill.
Conservatives share the serious concerns expressed reently by Baroness Miller, as well as those raised during the progress of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) about the implications of such legislation for freedom and democracy. The Conservative Shadow Home Affairs Minister in the Lords, Lady Anelay of St Johns, stressed during the progress of SOCPA that it is vital that the public are able to mount legitimate protest at the very doors of parliament.
The Government eventually made concessions surrounding the notice period for demonstrations and the exclusion of Trafalgar Square during the passage of SOCPA. Yet today we have a situation where, despite assurances made by Ministers during the passage of the Bills, the powers are being used to exclude peaceful protest, far beyond what was originally intended.
I believe that elements of SOCPA and the Terrorism ACt require review. As Shadow Home Secretary David Davis MP warned whenSOCPA was debated, the restrictions show contemp for democracy and contempt for the people's right to protest.
I am grateful to you for taking the time to write to me. I will certainly continue to do all I cabn to encourage the Government to review the way in which powers under SOCPA and the terrorism Act are used.
Yours sincerely. Michael Howard.
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