Boris Johnson facing backlash over bill to clamp down on protests

Both Labour and Conservative backbenchers are concerned about the bill to increase police powers in the wake of the Sarah Everard vigil

By Alistair MacQueen
 March 15, 2021 

Senior Conservatives have warned Boris Johnson to proceed carefully or face a backbench backlash against plans to clamp down further on protests.

MPs will debate the second reading of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill today, which will beef up police powers to break up demonstrations that are deemed too “disruptive”.

Labour yesterday announced it would be voting against the bill, branding it a “mess” which could lead to harsher penalties for damaging a statue than attacking a woman.

Amanda Milling, co-chairwoman of the Conservative Party, said it was “shocking” that Labour is “trying to block tough new laws to keep people safe, including many vital measures to protect women from violent criminals”.

But several Tories have raised doubts over the current state of the Bill, despite backing the principle of the legislation, and warned it was likely to be hit with amendments as it passes through Parliament.

Steve Baker, deputy chair of the Covid Recovery Group, said many of the new powers contained in the Bill were needed because “we face a new generation of protester, who are using new tactics”.

But he insisted it was crucial that the detail of the Bill was precise, to prevent a similar situation to that witnessed in Clapham on Saturday.

“Monday is about supporting the principle of the Bill, but when it gets to committee and report stage all bets are off when it comes to amendments. Many of us will want to ensure the law supports people’s rights to protest, while standing against the disruptive tactics increasingly used by protesters that affect normal people’s lives,” he said.