WE have all seen over the recent weeks, the undoubted bravery of ordinary Russians risking arrest to stand up against Vladimir Putin’s war.

These protestors conducted their bravery, knowing what potential repercussions faced them, people of all ages, young and old, violently restrained and arrested for simply standing up for their rights.

Of course, people around the world have condemned this, including the UK Government.

Meanwhile here in the UK, The Policing Bill, introduced by the UK Government, is passed through its final stages in Parliament.

This is a bill that will embed a plethora of anti-democratic measures in society.

One of these potential draconian measures, would allow the police to restrict protests if they were noisy enough to cause “serious unease, alarm or distress.”

I have been on many protests and due to the nature of these gatherings, they can be ‘noisy’ due to the fact it involves crowds of people, passionate about an issue and ensuring the point they are protesting about, is made clear.

This country has made our society better due to a proud tradition of protest - The Chartists, The Suffragettes, gay rights, anti-racism and until recently, the response to the Sarah Everard murder.

Of course, we may not all agree with some of the protests on our streets, but we must all surely support the right for a person to actively express and voice their opinion and the call for change?

If this new bill is to pass, that proud history within our democratic society to be allowed to protest, would be gone. Then once the voice of protest is silenced, will it allow the Government to pass more draconian laws with no challenge?

In addition to The Policing Bill, there is also the Elections Bill going through Parliament that will implement mandatory voter ID, which will potentially detriment many people the country.

The judicial review process is also being weakened, that will remove our ability to challenge any Government decision in court.

Let us also not forget that the Government is in the process of dismantling the Human Rights Act to make it much harder for ordinary people to defend their rights.

Of course, it is crucial we offer support to those around the world who need it, it is vital we condemn the actions of those Governments who stamp on the democracy of others, but we also need to look much closer to home.

If you believe wholeheartedly in the positive power of democracy that has been a fundamental part of our society, it is essential you speak out now against this current Government and their draconian plans to remove your rights.

 

Brian McDaid

Skipton and Ripon Labour Party representative.

Skipton