Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Euro-MP takes part in 'absolutely anything' demo

August 31, 2006 5:36 PM

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford is joining campaigning comedian Mark Thomas at the unique 'mass lone demo' in Parliament Square on Thursday evening August 31st to protest against - absolutely anything!

This series of individual demonstrations is taking place to highlight the absurdity as well as injustice of the ban on protests in and around the Houses of Parliament without prior police permission forced through by the present Labour government.

Sarah Ludford has obtained from Charing Cross police the requisite authorisation, which like other participants is for a "lone protest" licence. The police cannot refuse an application made at least six days in advance. She said:

"I'm sorry for the rather bewildered PC who has had to cope with a flood of paperwork, but his grumbles should be directed at number 10. This law preventing peaceful protest and freedom of speech is ridiculous. It's even more absurd that it is included in the Serious Organised Crime Act!"

The ban was drawn up last year in an unsuccessful attempt to evict Brian Haw from Parliament Square, where he had staged a protest for more than four years. Last year it resulted in the conviction of Maya Evans, 25, for reading out the names of 97 British soldiers who died in Iraq.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    sarahludfordmep.org.uk/en/article/2006/028019/euro-mp-takes-part-in-absolutely-anything-demo
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    ludford.lib.dm/a91bk

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image