Thousands of protesters joined the protests around United Kingdom, This Saturday, as part of a national weekend of action against a new bill that would give police more power to block protests.
The law, called “Police, Crimes, Sentences and Courts,” seeks strict measures that can lead police to disperse demonstrations such as imposing time and noise limits, which would be used to intimidate workers.
On Saturday, marches were held in dozens of British cities including London, Supported by groups such as Manchester and Bristol, Extinction Rebellion, activists against climate change and the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I am here to protect the rights to freedom of expression and organization in our society,” said Jeremy Corbyn, a former leader of the opposition Labor Party, who was among thousands who gathered in protests in central London.
“These demonstrations, 50 of them today, will make a difference,” Corbyn told Reuters on the opposite side of Parliament.
Since the legislation was introduced in Parliament last month, sporadic protests have taken place. In Bristol, in the southwest England, The demonstrations became violent. Police officers and a police station were attacked with bricks and bottles. They also set fire to police vehicles.
Prime minister, Boris johnson He criticized what he described as “shameful attacks” against the police, but protesters accused the police of using violent tactics.
Demonstrations were not allowed during the shutdown against Coronavirus, But sanctions have been relaxed this week, meaning protests can take place as long as they are protected from Kovid-19.
