The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, has voiced her support for the UK government’s new Public Order Bill. The bill aims to provide the police with increased powers to deal with protesters and prevent public disorder.
Jones has called for increased stop and search powers and the use of banning orders to stop crimes from being committed and to prevent mass disruption.
Her comments came after the bill was debated in the House of Lords earlier this week.
Jones: The mass disruption has to stop
Jones said,
“The public have had enough.
“The mass disruption to law-abiding citizens going about their business has to stop.
“That’s why this new legislation is vital to give the police the legal flexibility they need to ensure public disruptions don’t continue.”
Jones: Strongly support the right to protest when lawful
However, Jones was quick to emphasise her support for the right to protest and freedom of speech.
“While I back the bill, I also want to make clear I strongly support the right to protest and freedom of speech, when lawful.”
She concluded,
“Freedom of speech is an absolute requirement of all civilized societies. But it must be done in a lawful, civilized way.”
