Priti Patel’s plans to curb protest have “dangerous and harmful implications” for democracy, former senior police officers have said.
They claim that the proposed legislation, which sparked widespread demonstrations including a riot in Bristol in March, will subject officers to “even greater political pressure” and potentially lead to more violence.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which returns for debate in the Commons today, introduces new powers for police to restrict protests and increases sanctions on those who breach such conditions. It will bring static protests in line with marches by allowing the police to impose time limits and maximum noise levels.
The government claims it will allow officers to shut down demonstrations that cause serious and unjustifiable disruption. However, critics say it
