After last night's debate, we need your support more than ever

Dear John

I got in touch a couple of weeks ago to ask for your support in challenging the government’s draconian new policing bill.

Since then, the government has continued to pursue its plans for dangerous new laws that threaten our rights to non-violent protest and further marginalise vulnerable communities.

It’s not going unchallenged. Last night, following a petition signed by 250,000 people, parliament held a debate on the part of the bill that would restrict our rights to protest. Labour, Green and Lib Dem MPs spoke powerfully, arguing that non-violent protest is essential to democracy and has won so many of the rights we enjoy today.

Some Conservative backbenchers, including Theresa May, have also voiced concerns about the impact of the bill. So have a number of senior former police officers including ex-Chief Constables of Manchester and Durham [1].

We’re winning the argument. But with the government commanding such a large majority, there’s still far more work for us to do.

If you haven't already, please consider becoming a member by setting up a monthly gift to help us:
* Carry out legal scrutiny of the bill and its implications for your rights.
* Campaign in parliament and public to remove attacks on non-violent protest and trespass from the bill.
* Build an even stronger coalition of organisations to oppose the bill.

I'LL BECOME A MEMBER ([link removed])
Non-violent protest is an essential part of a functioning democracy and our ability to campaign for a livable future. If you want to remind yourself what's at stake, you can find my original email below.

Thank you, as always, for your support.

Dave Timms
Head of Political Affairs, Legal and Planning

Notes:
[1] Protest laws move UK towards paramilitary policing, says former chief, The Guardian, 28 Mar 2021 ([link removed]) .

Dear John

During these times of climate and ecological emergency and repeated attempts to dismantle environmental regulations, our right to speak up against those in power has never been more important.

But in its controversial new policing bill, the UK government is trying to rush through laws that would severely restrict your right to non-violent protest.

These draconian measures permanently threaten your freedoms. They could prevent us from protecting the planet and further marginalise vulnerable communities. They would limit access to the countryside. And crucially, they would remain after Covid limitations end.

If you’ve already spoken out against the policing bill, thank you. But we urgently need to do a lot more to protect your voice:
* Carry out legal scrutiny of the bill and its implications for your rights.
* Campaign in parliament and public to remove attacks on non-violent protest and trespass from the bill.
* Build an even stronger coalition of organisations to oppose the bill.

And we’re going to need your support to do it. So if you haven't already, please consider becoming a member by setting up a monthly gift.
I'LL BECOME A MEMBER ([link removed])
Non-violent protest is an essential part of a functioning democracy and our ability to campaign for a livable future.

Protests aren’t always quiet or convenient and nor should they be. But they do work. And we should know.

From passing the historic Climate Change Act to banning bee-killing pesticides and securing a moratorium on fracking, many of the biggest wins for the planet have used non-violent protest to push politicians to act.

This new threat to our freedoms is totally disproportionate. The bill would impose laws that would carry harsh sentences for engaging in non-violent protest. In fact, the bill’s vague language means that even a single school climate striker could potentially face arrest for being too noisy or causing annoyance.

Nomadic Gypsy and Traveller communities could also find their very way of life being criminalised and their homes and possessions seized.

We can’t let them make decisions about our rights as citizens behind closed doors. Our voices must not be stifled.

So please consider becoming a member today, to help our lawyers and campaigners stand up to the government – and put a stop to this threat to our essential rights.
I'LL BECOME A MEMBER ([link removed])
All the best,

Dave Timms
Head of Political Affairs, Legal and Planning
Just as a note, the email you see above may be very slightly different than the version you received first time around. Originally, you may have been asked to make a donation for this appeal whereas we're now asking you to consider becoming a member.

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