News from Labour Matters

Westminster protest laws to be lifted

Gordon Brown’s vision of Britain includes demonstrations near Parliament, as it was revealed that his Government intends to undo legislation outlawing such protests.

The 2005 Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (Soca) banned any protest within 1km of Parliament Square. However, the new constitutional renewal bill confirmed the government’s intent to repeal sections 132 to 138 of Soca because security has since been improved around Westminster.

Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, said the legislation demonstrated the government’s commitment to “reinvigorating our democracy”.

“Peaceful and lawful protest is a fundamental principle of the democratic tradition of this country, therefore people must feel free to hold lawful protests at the heart of our democracy around parliament” he said.

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