Your Argus
TEXT your pictures, videos and messages to 80360. Start your message with SUPIC or email your tip-offs »
Terror laws curtailing protest rights, warns comedian
11:47am Thursday 7th June 2007
Anti-terror laws are having a "chilling" effect on the rights of people to campaign and stage protests against government policies, comedian Mark Thomas said today.
He told the annual conference of the GMB union that even traditional campaigning on the doorstep could be regarded as harassment under some of the measures being introduced to fight terrorism.
He singled out the law banning demonstrations outsider Parliament without police permission as being particularly "ridiculous."
He told delegates at the Brighton conference: "I even had to get permission to wear a red nose in Parliament Square on Red Nose Day."
The comedian said a friend was questioned by a police officer for eating a cake opposite the Commons containing the word "peace" written in icing.
"The police are having an internal debate about this law because it's just not worth it," he claimed.
"The effect of these laws is to curtail our rights. They are having a chilling effect on campaigning and activism."
Your Say YourArgus
sc, Brighton says...
3:38pm Thu 7 Jun 07
This is all about government squashing protest, nothing more.
PT, says...
7:22pm Thu 7 Jun 07
sc wrote:Curbing protests - yes maybe - I can see that and somewhat agree.
All these new laws being touted under the illusion of being overrun by terrorists are just pointless. They do nothing to curb actual real terrorism, but effect everyday law abiding people. Due to the demise of the IRA and no cold war threat, we are safer now than we have ever been. More people are killed on the roads than by terrorists these days. This is all about government squashing protest, nothing more.
However;
'Safer now than we have ever been' I am sorry but you simply do not know what you are talking about.
Rob, Brighton says...
8:55pm Thu 7 Jun 07
doug brewer, brighton says...
10:27am Fri 8 Jun 07
In Brighton the EDO MBM bomb factory tried to criminalise protest outside its gates.
Good to see the new documentary film Taking Liberties covers what has happened in Brighton recently and how bad sussex police are when it comes to respect for civil liberties.
Your sayYourArgus
Add your comment
Register for a FREE The Argus account and you can have your say on today's news and sport by adding comments on articles we publish. The best comments may even get published in the paper.
Please register now or sign in below to continue.
In this section
- Anger over plans for new landfill site
- Soaring energy bills hit schools
- People to elect police chiefs
- Thousands jet off despite economy
- Stabbed boy's sister faces knife attacker
- Twenty victims of violent attacker
- Peition launched in row over garden fence
- Burglars raid farm for saddles
- New hospital ward halts spread of deadly bug
- £130m college plans announced
Essential Links
Sponsored Links
Editor's Choice
Lyrics Born, Komedia, Brighton, July 21
“I Feel I’m a performer by nature. It’s just such a part of what I do and who I am. I can’t let it go. I really want to be the best at it.”
Six Characters In Search Of An Author, Minerva Theatre, Chichester, until August 23
Director Rupert Goold is very much like the play's author, Luigi Pirandello, as both men offer the audience a challenge.
Romeo And Juliet, Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, July 21-23
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is going out on the road this summer with one of the Bard's best-loved plays.
Why must I pay for a bigger bra?
A Brighton resident is waging war against a high street giant after it started charging more for bigger bras.
Shocking new statistics on knife crime
A knife crime is committed every eight-and-a-half hours in Sussex, new figures show.
What's On Live Travel YourArgus
Last updated 19.05 with 2 incidents
- Transmanche Ferries East Sussex » No problems to report
- A265 Burwash Road Broad Oak » Road closed due to accident
Hot Jobs
- ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Lewes
- Data Cabling Engineer
- Sales Support Co-ordinator Southwick
- Mortgage Broker Hove
- Operations Controller Arundel
- Corporate Governance Officer Lewes
Local Services
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
Bob, Brighton says...
1:52pm Thu 7 Jun 07