Protest groups in South Yorkshire have expressed their worry over the government’s attitude towards protests after lockdown.
An article for The Guardian disclosed last week that thanks to a Freedom of Information release, they had obtained proof that Priti Patel sought advice on how to retain protest limits, even after Coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.
In a letter to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the Home Secretary enquired how the Home Office could assist the police in possessing the right powers to ensure future protests do not impact other people’s right to go about their day.
Priti Patel’s disapproval of protesting is well known, having previously described Black Lives Matter protests last summer as ‘dreadful’.
BLM Doncaster discussed increasing police powers at protests, saying: “A relationship that has broken down to this degree cannot be helped by allowing one to strong arm the other into submission and it is concerning that this is even being considered as an option”.
When asked about these proposals, other South Yorkshire groups such as Sheffield Youth Strike 4 Climate and Extinction Rebellion demonstrated their uneasiness.
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Started by Greta Thunberg when she was just a child herself, the Youth Strike 4 Climate movement say they will follow government guidance on safety, but believe there is cause for concern.
They said: “A key part of democracy is active participation and as long as it is peaceful, safe and moral it should not be prevented”.
The group, who insist they have an excellent relationship with South Yorkshire police, stated: “whilst the political landscape may be changing, our key values and core beliefs certainly won’t be.
“We need all areas of society to respond to the climate crisis and so we hope that if anything we can reduce the gap between young people and police rather than widen it”
The Sheffield cohort of the environmental movement Extinction Rebellion condemned the government’s attitude, calling it an: “attempt to prevent basic democratic rights”.
The group went on to say: “We will not allow them to criminalise the noble tradition of non-violent civil disobedience that has been essential for the success of many other historical mass movements which have changed the course of history.
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