The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court Bill has sparked a variety of clashing opinions amongst residents living in South Yorkshire.
The Bill includes a range of proposals for the reform of crime and the justice system in England and Wales, from tougher sentences for those who assault emergency workers to modernising court proceedings.
Other measures include establishing a curfew, setting noise limits, and imposing restrictions on protests based on the acts of a single person.
It also states any protestors who fail to abide by the police’s restrictions may be fined up to £2,500.
Matthew Jenkins, a Sheffield resident, says: “It’s as though the politicians and government want to turn all of Britain, eventually if they could, into a police state.”
He felt that self expression and basic human rights are now becoming non existent.
“It would have an extremely negative effect on the Sheffield community and surrounding ones.
“Many people would be afraid to go outside and just be themselves.”
He added that this situation will only exacerbate the already high levels of depression and other mental health issues that have arisen from the pandemic.
“Whoever thought up that bill should be sent to prison, or rehab. They seriously need their heads sorting out.”
Although many residents have expressed their disapproval for the new Bill, some people are not fully against it.
One Sheffield resident rebuttals: “No one has the right to spread Covid and kill others.”
They argue that since large gatherings are currently illegal, the police are not in the wrong for intervening.
Another person added that violence should not be used under any circumstances, even when it is to make a political statement.
Click this link to watch South Yorkshire activists’ reaction to the bill:https://www.shefnews.co.uk/2021/03/25/watchsouth-yorkshire-activists-criticise-new-authoritarian-policing-bill/
If you wish to sign a petition against the Bill, use this link: https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/add-your-name-defend-right-protest?fbclid=IwAR0KLT8hDi2Y8Qx7X6Ai5AJBH37i90FcBVKwD6WtojPtE53LUITw9q0_Yag