My thanks to the lady who’s just informed me of an important e-petition to be sent to the government. From the website:
Responsible department: Home Office
Organisations such as the Manifesto Club and the human rights group Liberty have expressed serious concerns regarding the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill. Provisions within the bill criminalise any behaviour which can potentially cause ‘nuisance or annoyance’ from the age of 10. It also grants local authorities, police and even private security firms sweeping powers to bar citizens from assembling lawfully in public spaces, which seriously curtails the rights to protest and freedom of assembly. Those who defy orders under the new rules will face arrest, fines and even prison time. This is a threat to human rights and effectively renders the United Kingdom a police state. It is absolutely essential that the bill is stopped unless it is amended to address current concerns.
A link to the e-petition:
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/53083
I’ve just signed it along with one about the same issue on ‘Change.org’ which is attracting a lot of signatures (link below). It’s already 90% of the way towards its target of 25,000 signatures. We urge you to sign both petitions, it takes little time or effort. Thanks.