Ban on unauthorised protests near Parliament

[marmitebagel]

"A ban on protests within half-a-mile of Westminster which have not been cleared by police came into force at midnight.

However, about 50 people wearing black gags to symbolise the "infringement" of their right to protest have gathered in Parliament Square in defiance.

Ministers say planned protests can be held but the rights of protesters and workers in the area must be balanced.

But campaigners say the move restricts an established right to protest."

Article is on the bbc news website.

What are people's thoughts on this?

 

[Kelly]

What is the process to get a protest "authorized"?

I have a feeling this is more about protection against bombers (a crowd of protesters is an easy way to get in close to parliment) than anything else.

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

I have a feeling this is more about protection against bombers (a crowd of protesters is an easy way to get in close to parliment) than anything else.

That's what I thought...however, I don't think you can actually get that close to the Houses of Parliament, anyway. Certainly not close enough that you could hurt anyone or just outside.

Rob