This is the first part of a two part piece outlining current moves by the authorities to attack the 'occupy' movement, starting with the imminent closure of the decade-long protests in parliament square.
In this piece i outline the new PRASRA law, which has been enacted already, and how westminster council and the GLA are planning to roll out similar controls throughout london. you can act now by responding to the westminster "public consultation" which closes at 5.30pm this friday 13th january. in part two i will go into a little more depth, but this first part is an urgent call-out to action.
PRASRA is the 'police reform and social responsibility act 2011' (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/13/contents/enacted/data.htm), sections 142-149 of which were enacted on december 19th, and introduce draconian new powers to prevent any form of overnight camping in parliament square and its pavements, and to outlaw the use of any amplifying noise equipment in the square at any time of day or night.
So, what can YOU do right now? simply take part in the consultation and get your voice heard, registering your concerns either as an organisation or as an individual.
Some points you might want to make are that, while westminster claim they are not trying to prevent protest, it is clear that a tent or similar structure is an important and necessary tool of trade for a full-time campaigner, and outlawing their use WILL impact on legitimate peaceful protest.
Obviously, use your own words and make your own points, but please do it now. the closing time for this consultation is 5.30pm on friday, and a sudden surge of public voice would be an excellent show of feeling to the bureaucrats at westminster.
To join the consultation, you simply download the document at http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/transportandstreets/strategy/parliament-square-proposed-byelaws/, fill it in, which won't take long, and then email it to the solicitors in charge of the consultation at westminsterbyelaws@sharpepritchard.co.uk
Contact email: rikkiindymedia(At)gmail[dot]com
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