London, United Kingdom
United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunakâs government, on Monday, will announce new proposals to clamp down on protests. The new proposals as per Reuters will broaden the range of situations in which police are able to act on or end serious disruptions. In a statement, late on Sunday, the PM said that the right to protest âis not absoluteâ.
Watch | UK: Rishi Sunak's U-turn on outlawing strikes, steps back on anti-strike law
âThe right to protest is a fundamental principle of our democracy, but this is not absolute,â he said, adding âWe cannot have protests conducted by a small minority disrupting the lives of the ordinary public. Itâs not acceptable and weâre going to bring it to an end.â
Recent years have seen Britain plagued by disruptive protests, mostly on environmental issues. These protests, which led to a shutdown of large parts of central London and blocked traffic on major highways, have led to calls for more power to the police for stopping these disturbances.
Also read | No more 'public disruptions' or fake blood: Environment activists Extinction Rebellion to change tactics
If passed, the proposed laws will mean that the police forces will have the power to shut down protests pre-emptively or even before they begin.
Also read | Rishi Sunak vows to introduce anti-strike law as nurses begin unprecedented day-long strike for better wages
The bill as per Reuters was published last year and is currently in the final stages of debate in the UK parliament.
However, civil rights groups say that the bill is anti-democratic and gives the police way too much power. The bill already has provisions for the creation of a criminal offence for those seeking to lock themselves or a building or an object. It also allows courts to restrict the freedom of protestors seeking to cause serious disruption.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.