Bishops in Lords vote to uphold right to peaceful protest
by Donna Birrell, Premier:
Bishops in the House of Lords are among peers who have rejected a range of measures in the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
They were debating proposed measures for England and Wales which would include banning known activists from demonstrations, imposing restrictions on protest marches judged to be too noisy and expanding police search powers.
It follows a number of high profile demonstrations by groups including environmental protestors and Christian climate activists, who have blocked roads and glued themselves to trains in recent months.
The Bishops of Bristol, Leeds, London and St. Albans were among those opposing the measures. The Bishop of Bristol, the Right Reverend Vivienne Faull said “good disagreement involves noise, and is not quiet and orderly”.
“There is real hurt and trauma when protests are mishandled. Public spaces belong to the people, and they should be able to have good disagreement in them.”
Christian charities welcomed the debate and say if the measures were introduced they would have a direct impact on the right of Christians and others to hold events such as prayer vigils and other peaceful gatherings.
Pete Moorey is Christian Aid’s Head of Campaigns and Advocacy. He’s been giving Premier his reaction.
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