One of the lasting legacies of the Liberal Democrats in power will be the efforts to push through what has been named the ‘Freedom (Great Repeal) Bill’.
A somewhat younger looking Nick Clegg made this the subject of his party conference speech back in 2006 when he was shadow home secretary.
Returning to conference as Deputy Prime Minister in 2010, Clegg triumphantly declared that “In November, we will publish a Freedom Bill to roll back a generation of illiberal and intrusive legislation.”
The Liberal Democrat draft [pdf] addresses some of the most obvious anti-campaigning laws. For example it proposes to repeal the largely discredited SOCPA rules that restrict campaigning near to parliament. However some laws holding back campaigners are often more hidden.
Bond, the network of international development NGOs, recently asked our members for examples of when unjust laws have prevented them from campaigning. The stories we got back were shocking.
Top of the list were the problems campaigners face when collecting petitions in quasi-public space. Under current law, land owners can choose what viewpoints are expressed on their property. This is particularly problematic when once-public streets become private shopping centres. Thus, even the most basic form of democratic engagement – talking to people in the street – has become criminalised in many places.
Next was the issue of police camera operators intimidating campaigners by taking photographs of them. We heard stories of police (sometimes not wearing numbers) taking photos of street stalls, of peaceful demonstrations, of static protests, and even of a vicar in a dog collar getting off a coach. The effect, whether intended or not, is that people are made to feel like they are doing something wrong when practising their democratic rights, and in some cases, living out their faith.
The Liberal Democrats in government can address these issues, but the bill will have to look slightly different from its previous form. Delivering people’s freedom will sometimes mean regulating the state and companies, if civil liberties are to be restored.
Tim Gee is Campaigns Communications Officer for Bond
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4 Comments
I was with you until the final para. where you wrote: The Liberal Democrats in government can address these issues, but the bill will have to look slightly different from its previous form.
What previous form?
“Thus, even the most basic form of democratic engagement – talking to people in the street – has become criminalised in many places.”
Is there a criminal offence here even if it is a private street? Civil trespass certainly but what is the offence being committed?
The issue to be aware of is when the land is sold to the developer (assuming it was public land before)
Liberal Democrats are about to look complete fools again over Civil Liberties.
The coalition has a couple of months breathing space though, But in Jan 2011
A decision has to be made on 28 detentions without charge, It is thought that these might be reduced to 14 day’s, with provisions to apply for extensions, or strict bail conditions. No doubt this will try to be spun as a Victory for the Liberal Party.
In March 2011 a decision has to be made on control orders. This is going to be a real problem for the government. It is being reported that the decision has already been made and theressa may and Cameron are trying to hold of announcing it as they know, its going to be a massive problem for the Liberals especially and the coalition.
The danger to Liberals is.
What with these happening in March
The Budget in March 2011
A national protest has already been organised against the CSR for March 2011
These protests are going to naturally draw attention to Civil Liberties and the failure for Liberal Democrats to get through another manifesto promise.
And then we have the local elections, scottish and welsh elections and well as referendum on AV.
Not the best time for Liberals to be pushing for something which would potentially cause more coalition governments and yet the Liberal Party have not managed to there core election policies, principles and pledges.
And quite frankly, the excuse that there are only 1/5th of MP’s in parliament, we shouldn’t expect to much, is not washing with the public.
Nowhere does it say in the coalition agreement, that liberal democrats only have 1/5th of seats, so they can only influence 1/5th of policies.
Richard SM – The previous form referred to is the Liberal Democrat draft linked to in the fourth paragraph.
Hywel – you correctly point out that trespass is a civil offence. Nevertheless people are told that they are breaking the law when doing something perfectly ordinary.
Matt – A commitment to respecting basic democratic rights should be a priority of all parties