This week, the Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill resumes its journey through the House of Lords.
UNISON members are encouraged to take action against this new legislation, which will hand police unprecedented powers, and will drastically impact the right to protest and hold the government to account.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Each measure against the elements of protest cumulatively amounts to an attack on a fundamental building block of our democracy.
“To lower the threshold of criminal offending to such a low bar seriously erodes the rights of free protest under Articles 10 and 11 of the Convention on Human Rights.
“As the UK’s largest trade union, we must understand the furthest possible reaches of this legislation and how it will affect our activists.”
Making ‘noise’ will be part of a new definition of nuisance, protests around Parliament will be restricted and if a passer-by claims a protest causes them ‘serious annoyance’, the police can impose restrictions.
“As this bill is aimed directly at democratic practices, it is clear this government is intent on attacking and suppressing fundamental democratic rights,” added the general secretary.
Take action
- Tweet your MP
Show your opposition and ask them to stand up for our rights. Cut and paste this tweet – or write your own!
As your constituent, I’m asking you to oppose harmful elements of the #PolicingBill. I am concerned that clauses in part 3 of the Bill will undermine our proud democratic traditions. Please use your influence to stand up for our civil liberties
Click on the button bellow and paste in your tweet, after you’ve entered your postcode:
2. Sign the petition 
We are working closely with Liberty and other campaigning organisation to petition the Home Secretary and Justice Secretary. Add your name.