Police issue statement ahead of more protests this weekend
They are urging organisers to work with them
Yet more #KillTheBill protests are planned across the South West this weekend.
More than half a dozen have been held to date in Bristol and the wider area, all against the Police and Crime Bill, which if passed by the government would place restrictions on protesting including time and noise limits.
The first last month ended in extreme violence with several police vehicles set alight but those most recently have been largely peaceful, only descending into violence, if at all, late at night after the vast majority of protestors have gone home.
Another small protest of around 50 people, seemingly organised by Extinction Rebellion, is taking place in Bristol this afternoon.
Avon and Somerset Police have now released a statement saying more events are planned across Bristol, Bath and Taunton.
Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “We’re committed to facilitating people’s democratic right to protest and we’re keen to do everything we can to make sure any event takes place safely.
“Under current coronavirus regulations, protest organisers are required to carry out a risk assessment and take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the virus.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t had any contact from anyone identifying themselves as being responsible for organising the events."
The police insist they want to work with those organising the events to make sure they can go ahead safely while limiting the impact on the wider public. Many in Bristol have led to road closures and the suspension of bus services for several hours.
“We’ve recently had positive feedback from the organisers of a protest which took place last weekend and I hope this gives people confidence that our desire to speak with you is purely so that we can work together," Supt Edgington added.
“This weekend will be the first many businesses have been open for some time and it would be desperately unfair if any event caused them significant disruption.
“While we fully recognise the rights of protestors to express themselves, we have a duty to balance these rights with those of other members of the public to go about their lives unhindered."
If you are involved in organising any of the protests, the police are urging you to ring 101.