Write to your representatives about the government consultation on repealing SOCPA

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Write to your MP

Sample letter

Dear ....,

I would be interested in your views on the Government's consultation
document 'Managing Protest Around Parliament'
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2007-managing-protest

While this review of sections 132-138 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 which ban unauthorised demonstrations near Parliament is welcome, there are real concerns that the Government are seeking to introduce new measures that could restrict freedom of assembly around the country. 'Harmonisation of powers to manage marches and assemblies' throughout the UK could mean that static demonstrations of as few as two people could require police authorisation or could be controlled or even banned by the police, as marches presently can.

I am very concerned that the focus should be on enhancing freedom and respecting rights, rather than tidying up legislation and treating anyone with a dissenting view as a threat.

The consultation also asks if special measures are needed to manage protests around Parliament. The evidence seems to suggest that sections 132-138 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act have been unworkable, inconsistently enforced and irrelevant to the issues of security or access to Parliament by MPs. They have led to the intimidation and criminalisation of many peaceful protestors. Parliament is a natural focus for people to publicly express their opinions and I am sure you will agree that MPs should not be insulated from those opinions or that people should not have to get permission from the police (6 days in advance) in order to express them.

I would like to refer you to the Repeal SOCPA website for more detailed information: http://www.repeal-socpa.info. This also gives details of a cross-party delegation of MPs that handed in a petition to the Prime Minister on 9 January urging him to repeal SOCPA and to introduce no further police powers to control our basic freedoms.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]