[Imc-uk-features] Feature proposal: SOCPA anti-demo laws should be repealed, not extended.

[freethepeeps at aktivix.org]

Hi, we have numerous posts on the wire about yesterdays demos. Below is the
proposed text for a feature for UK and SOCPA topic.

The title needs improving, links need and a pic still to be added.

<p>One of Gordon Browns first announcements when he became prime minister, was
that the state would 'look again' at the <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serious_Organised_Crime_and_Police_Act_2005">Serious
Organised Crime and Police Act 2005</a> (SOCPA) clauses which affect the right
to protest within a kilometer of the Houses of Parliament. Since then, a <a
href="http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2007-managing-protest">consultation</a>
has been launched by the Home Office, and the closing date for responses is
17/01/08.</p>

<p>Anti-SOCPA campaigners who have studied the proposal are concerned that,
rather than leading to a repeal of the relevant clauses of the act, the
consultation could lead to an extension of the powers, meaning that any
demonstration anywhere in the country would be required to seek police
authorisation in advance.</p>

<p>On Saturday, January 12th, in response to a <a
href="/en/2007/12/388394.html">callout</a> from campaigners, demonstrations
took place around the UK.</p>

<p><a href="/en/2008/01/389305.html">Milton Keynes</a>  and <a
href="/en/2008/01/389269.html">Cambridge</a>. In <a
href="/en/2008/01/389276.html">Liverpool</a> civil liberties protesters marched
through the town centre and held a demonstration outside the town hall. Welsh
activists handed out copies of the consultation paper  and held a series of
mini protests with locals in <a
href="/en/2008/01/389316.html">Aberystwyth</a>.</p>

<p>A demonstration in <a href="/en/2008/01/389278.html">Oxford</a> against a
proposed new shopping centre took place in solidarity with the other anti-SOCPA
actions as locals took impromptu direct action to prevent the fencing off of
the square. In <a href="/en/2008/01/389291.html">London</a>, where protest is
banned within a kilometre of parliament, a procession demonstrated outside
several key sites with the SOCPA zone, including the Home Office, New Scotland
Yard and  MI5.People were arrested for lying down in the road outside Downing
Street and at Parliament Square activists were violently removed from the sit
in and Brian Haw was <a href="/en/2008/01/389308.html">assaulted and
arrested</a>.</p>