‘Kill The Bill’ protest planned in Bristol

A protest is planned for Sunday, March 21 in response the Government’s proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

The bill, which opponents claim ministers are rushing through legislation, would change how protests are policed and would make certain aspects of the Coronavirus Act permanent.

Currently, police have to show a protest may result in “serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community” if they want to put restrictions on a protest.

They also need to prove protesters know they’ve been told to move on, before it can be said they’ve broken the law.

The new bill would change this, meaning permission for protests would need to be granted in advance and protesters could be fined £2,500 if they undertake a protest despite having no permission.

The bill would also mean that those who damage memorials could face up to ten years in prison. It is thought that this is, in part, a response to the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue during June 2020’s Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol.

Feminist organisation Sisters Uncut called the new legislation the “Police Crackdown Bill”, adding: “The police abuse the powers that they already have. Yet the government plans to give them more powers in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. This bill is dangerous.”

The protest takes place on Sunday. Photo: Bristol Copwatch

‘Kill The Bill’ protests have been happening across the UK in response to the legislation. In Bristol, a protest has been organised for 2pm on Sunday, March 21.

“The bill is a violation of our human rights,” says All Black Lives Matter Bristol. “From student rights, Black Lives Matter, to NHS issues, to queer issues – we are all affected by this bill.

“We must come together to protest against it.”

The protest has no one organiser. It will take place at College Green and protesters are reminded to social distance and wear a mask.

Avon and Somerset Police has responded to the plans.

“We’re aware of plans to hold a protest on College Green in Bristol on Sunday 21 March and we’re making efforts to identify the organiser, or organisers, as well as liaising with groups who’ve indicated they are going to attend,” says inspector Rob Cheeseman.

“Under COVID-19 regulations, gatherings are not permitted and pose a real threat of spreading this deadly virus further.

“The communities of Bristol have sacrificed a great deal throughout the pandemic and rates of the virus have been decreasing because of their efforts. We all need to play our part and follow the restrictions in place so we can get back to a more normal way of life.

“We don’t want to have to enforce the regulations, but officers will be carrying out enforcement if proportionate and necessary to protect public health.

“We’d urge people not to attend this protest and find other ways to express their views, which are within the law. There are a number of virtual protests taking place online and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who’ve already taken steps to stay within the Covid-19 regulations.”

Those against the bill are also encouraged to sign Netpol’s Protect Your Freedom To Protest petition and write to their MP.

Main photo: Bristol24/7

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