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June 15, 2005The terrorists win. Again.
Evening Standard - Exclusion zone to Parliament protests: Political protests are to be curbed in a half-mile "exclusion zone" around Parliament, it emerged today. A map of the zone, drawn up by ministers and slipped out in the Commons, shows that it takes in the whole of Whitehall and the London Eye. Inside the zone, spontaneous demonstrations, even by a lone protester, will be banned. Police will be able to set stringent conditions on those who apply in advance, such as a half-hour time limit and a ban on placards and loudhailers. Anyone who fails to comply will face arrest. Critics denounced the measure as a heavy-handed attack on free speech.
Further: Ministers claimed a ban on demonstrations outside Parliament was needed to allow MPs and peers free access in and out of the building.
Yes. There are no secure underpasses to surrounding buildings, car parks and the Underground. All MPs walk the streets like common men these days
But the Act gave ministers the power to draw up an exclusion zone anywhere up to one kilometre from the Palace of Westminster. The map of the zone reveals Home Secretary Charles Clarke has used his new power to the full extent. The only significant site left out of the zone is Trafalgar Square after ministers accepted that it is a traditional venue for demonstrations.
Well, isn't that big of them?
Here you go, folks, I drew you a map of a 1km exclusion zone around the Houses of Parliament. This is what democracy looks like:
Take a look at the teeny-tiny wedge they've so graciously allowed us for protest somewhere near the heart of this country's ever-dwindling democracy.
Think about what your options are if you wish to stage a major protest over any action by the Home Office, the Foreign Office, the Treasury, the Ministry of Defence, etc. etc. etc.
This exclusion zone covers every major government office. If the 1km limit extends from the outer boundary of the Houses of Parliament (as I expect it does), then the area directly outside the gates of Buckingham Palace is also a no-go area.
Let me repeat the most important bit for you:
But the Act gave ministers the power to draw up an exclusion zone anywhere up to one kilometre from the Palace of Westminster. The map of the zone reveals Home Secretary Charles Clarke has used his new power to the full extent.
To. The. Full. Extent.
Remember that the next time someone speaks reassuringly about ID cards.
UPDATE:
BBC - Protest ban zone 'goes too far'
Telegraph - Commons exclusion zone to ban protesters
UPDATE:
Here's a revised map following the specifications outlined in The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Designated Area) Order 2005. (Cheers to Anthony for the heads-up.)
Of course, this would be a lot easier if the Home Office released a sodding copy of the map to the public.
But no. They would prefer we didn't know too much about it until it's too late.
Posted by Manic on June 15, 2005 11:24 AM in the category The War on Stupid
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Comments
And people say there's nothing to worry about. Nice to see that a government with the support of barely 36% of the electorate not only retains, but actually uses, its powers to the full to effectively stifle protest. This government is determined to impose its will upon us, regardless of our democratic rights, and fear of terrorism is the justification. Well, I for one am far more frightened by what this government will do than I am of Al Qaeda and other terror groups.
Posted by: balders at June 15, 2005 3:59 PM
I suppose this comes from our masters saying they've "listened and learned" after the election. Listened to the protests, and learned not to have such things anywhere near them.
I'm sure I speak for a large majority of people when I say: "The. Bunch. Of. Cunts."
Posted by: Scaryduck at June 15, 2005 5:08 PM
I dread to think what they will come up with next.
Posted by: irritant at June 15, 2005 9:13 PM
Amazing how you get this info Tim!
Are we, in Westminster, meant to feel safer with the prospect of this invisible 'secure' ring around us?
Melissa @ Boris Johnson Office
Posted by: melissa_cw at June 15, 2005 9:59 PM
What do you think would happen if 10,000 concerned souls converged in this exclusion zone with the soul purpose of a peaceful sit-down protest? Or are the people of the UK too full of apathy to worry about the right to free speech these days?
Keep up the good reporting, Tim.
Posted by: Rik at June 15, 2005 10:05 PM
What would happen?
The police would be under orders that would more or less ensure a fight. The protestors would get the blame for what followed. Then some lickspittle dipstick would point and scream; "Y'see?! This is why we need this!"
Posted by: Manic at June 15, 2005 11:59 PM
As sad as it is to see the general deterioration of free speech rights here in the states, I take a very small consolation in seeing that we're not alone. We're well on our way toward becoming a Facist state, and I shudder to think of the consequences for the planet if these sort of policies continue.
Posted by: SuperDave at June 16, 2005 12:32 AM
while watching the advent of 'free speech zones' and people getting arrested for bumper-stickers and t-shirts in the states I always viewed it as something that couldn't happen over here. obviously i was wrong. and the worst thing is it seems to have slipped my more-or-less unnoticed and theres nothing i can do about it. as suggested any protests or 'sit-in' will just be spun as confirming the need for the legislation
Posted by: biffa at June 16, 2005 10:56 AM
The legislations says it zone needs to be be within 1,000 metres of any point within Parliament square, so the circle should be a hundred metres or so to the North-West. By my reckoning the gates of Buckingham Palace fall quite comfortably within that.
Posted by: Anthony Wells at June 16, 2005 12:06 PM
OK - here is the actual statutory instrument setting up the area, so it someone wants to draw it on a map...
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051537.htm
Rather surprisingly the Home Office is also outside the boundary. For now at least...
Posted by: Anthony Wells at June 16, 2005 12:28 PM
Norwich Labour Party is at 59 Bethel Street, Norwich, which I think you'll find is also outside the exclusion zone.
Just if you happen to be passing.
Posted by: Oscar Wildebeest at June 17, 2005 2:35 PM
Oh, and Home Office Minister Paul Goggins might once in a blue moon be present at:
2/10 Alderman Downward House
Civic Centre
Wythenshawe
Manchester M22 5RF
Probably also outside the zone - for now.
Posted by: Oscar Wildebeest at June 17, 2005 2:51 PM
It's worth bearing all this in mind for the big demonstration planned on March 18th which meets at noon in Parliament Square. I wonder if they are going to try and arrest thousands of people. So far they are just making a fuss about signing petitions. This from Lindsey German of Stop the War Coalition:
"At the same time, we are having trouble from the police about our plans to sign petitions on Parliament Square on the day of
our demo, March 18th. There is increasing restriction on this square, demonstrating on which can be judged a serious crime under last year's law. Maybe we should say we will only be judged by god."
Posted by: Davide Simonetti at March 9, 2006 2:31 AM
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