Originally posted by AlfredJPruffock
3 November 2004: The Government announces legislation specifically aimed at removing Brian's protest - the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill.
6 April 2005: After much demonstration and lobbying by supporters of Brian and the right to protest, and much criticism in Parliament, the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill is passed. One of the last pieces of legislation passed before Parliament is dissolved before the general election, the new Act includes laws that will severly restrict the right to protest within 1km of Parliament.
29 July 2005: Just days before the 1 August 2005, after which Brian could be evicted under the new law restricting protest near Parliament, a High Court hearing ruled that Brian's protest is not covered by the legislation because prior authorisation is only necessary for demonstrations that 'start' on or after 1 August.
6 April 2005: After much demonstration and lobbying by supporters of Brian and the right to protest, and much criticism in Parliament, the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill is passed. One of the last pieces of legislation passed before Parliament is dissolved before the general election, the new Act includes laws that will severly restrict the right to protest within 1km of Parliament.
29 July 2005: Just days before the 1 August 2005, after which Brian could be evicted under the new law restricting protest near Parliament, a High Court hearing ruled that Brian's protest is not covered by the legislation because prior authorisation is only necessary for demonstrations that 'start' on or after 1 August.
I shouldn't laugh - this is typical of the crap legislation that is churned out of HMG these days.
Comment