Bethan Jenkins AM
Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales
Wednesday 16 January 2008
EMBARGO: For immediate release
Protect Freedom of Speech – Plaid AM
Plaid Cymru’s Bethan Jenkins AM has today written to the Home Office in London urging the repeal of the Serious Organised Crimes and Police Act, that bannes peaceful protest outside the Houses of Parliament.
Ms Jenkins’ letter comes before the Government’s deadline for comments on its consultation on sections 132 – 138 of the Act.
In her letter to the Home Office, Ms Jenkins said:
" My support for the repeal of the Act stems from my deep concern at a continuing trend on a UK level to restrict peoples’ right to peaceful protest at the heart of UK parliamentary democracy."
Submissions to the consultation must be forwarded to the Home Office no later than the 17th of January.
In her letter, Ms Jenkins added:
"Such fundamental human rights as the freedom of peaceful protest are guaranteed in international law, and indeed, form the corner stone of basic democratic principles.
The Government in London is already seeking to restrain our rights in their intention to introduce ID cards. This is just another way of restricting our human rights.
To stop people from protesting- from exercising their democratic right is wholly unacceptable. Gordon Brown came to power as Prime Minister promising change, and a restoration of faith in democracy. These measures do not reflect this stance at all.'
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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