Liberty responds to crackdown on protest

Liberty has responded to a series of restrictions placed on protests over the last week by the Metropolitan Police.

The human rights organisation warned that recent tactics – which have been used against number of groups – are just the latest in a sustained assault on the right to protest by the police and Government.

Liberty was founded in 1934 in response to heavy handed policing of protest, and will continue to defend people’s right to protest whatever the cause.

It has called on the Government and police to stop obstructing protest and instead uphold its duty to facilitate it.

Rosalind Comyn, Liberty policy and campaigns officer, said:

“The right to protest in this country has been under threat for many years – and that threat is escalating fast. Any police or Government order which stops people taking their demands to the seat of power in Westminster is deeply worrying and should be resisted.

“In recent weeks we’ve seen arrests, fines and unworkable restrictions all used to deter us from exercising our rights. These tactics are heavy handed and go too far.

“Protest is a core pillar of any healthy democracy, and it is vital it is protected whatever the cause. That’s why we should be alarmed by any heavy-handed or blanket restrictions, even if they are introduced under the guise of protecting public health.

“We are living through a time of great change happening at breakneck speed. With Parliament being side lined at every turn, protest is more important than ever to ensure everyone’s voices are heard. The Government and police must commit to uphold their duty to facilitate protest.”