A demonstration will be held in Bangor this Saturday (8 January) against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which includes new powers threatening the right to protest for everyone, including restrictions on noise, “nuisance” and locations of protests.

 

Tougher sentences are proposed for actions such as blocking roads, an expansion of police stop and search powers, and making “locking on” – a practice used by Insulate Britain but also, historically, other significant protest groups like the suffragettes – an offence that could carry a jail sentence of up to 51 weeks.

If passed, the Bill would give the police powers to shut down a protest if it’s deemed to be too loud and causing “intimidation or harassment” or cause “serious unease, alarm or distress” to people not taking part in the protest.

Many fear the new bill will make it difficult to attend a protest without committing some kind of offence.

The Bill also introduces measures which could disrupt the lives of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, such as criminalising trespass and giving police powers to move people on from unauthorised encampments, despite the fact that there aren’t enough authorised sites for travelling communities to live on.

The Bangor protest is being organised by Extinction Rebellion Cymru and Gweithredu Hinsawdd Gogledd Orllewin Cymru (N.W. Wales Climate Action Group).

A spokesperson for the groups said: “The government is taking away our democratic liberties and we are sliding towards a dictatorship. The Policing Bill is going through its final stages of parliament. It contains laws that could effectively shut down protest in this country.

“The bill gives police powers to detain anyone who they suspect might be carrying equipment for a protest and powers to stop and search us without suspicion. One of the most terrifying of these laws is the power to name and ban individuals from attending any kind of protest even if they have not committed a crime.

“We must stop this whilst there is still time. Join us to defend our right to protest.

“We will gather at 1:30pm on Saturday 8th of January at Bangor town clock and march down the high street, past the cathedral, ending at the police station where there will be speakers and an open mic.

“This protest is for anyone who has a cause they believe in. It is a chance for all people and causes to come together to form alliances for good and protect our remaining freedoms.

“Social distancing between household bubbles will be required to keep us safe. We also request that you wear a mask and suggest taking a lateral flow test before attending the protest. Please do not attend if you are experiencing covid-19 symptoms.”

More information about the protest can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/632413301526743/