Police thank public for peaceful 'Kill the Bill' and eco-protests in Cornwall and Devon
Demonstrations were held in Truro, Carbis Bay, Plymouth and Exeter but officers have confirmed there was no disorder or arrests
Last updated 4th Apr 2021
Police have thanked organisers and the public following a day of peaceful 'Kill the Bill' and environmental protests across Cornwall and Devon.
Protestors gathered on Truro's Lemon Quay during a demonstration against the new Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill.
Events were also held in Plymouth and Exeter on Saturday during a nationwide day of action.
Campaigners argue that the new bill, which will change how protests are policed, restricts their right to peaceful protest.
It is the third week of action in Cornwall, following similar protests in Truro and Falmouth in the last few weeks: Read more.
Posting on Facebook ahead of the event in Truro on Easter Saturday, the 'Kill the Bill Cornwall' group said: "When the Kill The Bill coalition calls for a national day of action, we show up. We invite our friends and families. We are louder than ever before. And we know we will continue this fight for our democratic rights whatever the state throws at us".
The post continues: "We are the resistance to authoritarianism. We are the opposition to this bill. The streets are where we won our rights - and it's on the streets that we'll fight to defeat this bill".
The post concludes: "We don't want to be taking to the streets during a pandemic. But the immediate threat this bill poses means we don't have a choice. We are aware that protests are now legal under Covid regulations and we have conducted a risk assessment in order to keep this event as safe as it can possibly be".
Kill the Bill Cornwall
Elsewhere, protestors gathered on Carbis Bay beach over the controversial development at the hotel set to host the G7 Summit.
Campaigners say the works at the Carbis Bay Hotel have led to the loss of "ancient trees" - a claim the hotel has denied.
They also claimed that the development had displaced badgers – claims which have since been dismissed by the police.
Work on meeting rooms began without planning permission but the Carbis Bay Estate has since submitted a planning application.
In a previous statement, estate bosses insisted they are "dedicated to sustainability and the environment".
Read more: Government 'not involved' in building works at Cornwall hotel set to host G7
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed all the events took place "without any significant reports of public order incidents, with no arrests made".
They added: "Leading up to the protest officers liaised with the organisers to ensure compliance with the current law and to protect our communities. Following changes to COVID-19 regulations, there is now an exemption to allow peaceful protests. However, this exemption only applies if the organisers take the required precautions to ensure people’s safety is not put at risk.
"The right to protest is well established in this country and police forces have a long history of upholding this by policing by consent and ensuring the safety of all those exercising that right.
"Protest policing is challenging and complex – and even more so during these unprecedented times. Public safety is, and always will be, police’s top priority and this hasn’t changed throughout our approach to the pandemic".
Devon and Cornwall Police
Chief Superintendent Matt Longman, protest commander for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “I would like to thank the organisers and participants for adhering to the current restrictions while protesting today.
“Those attending engaged positively with our officers, exercising their right to protest in a peaceful and lawful way.
“We have always sought to find the right balance between the rights of protestors and those of residents and businesses, while also considering the very real risks from the spread of the virus.
“Coronavirus is a deadly disease and the current legislation in relation to it aims to prevent its spread. At this time officers are trying to strike a balance between established rights and policing of COVID-19 restrictions in an effort to maintain the confidence of all groups of our communities.
“We must remember that the threat of COVID-19 remains and we must do all we can to stick within the restrictions to help keep people safe".
Chief Superintendent Matt Longman
Devon and Cornwall Police added: "As the current restrictions begin to lift over the coming months, we are asking the public to continue to play their part so that we do not undo all of the good work".
Devon and Cornwall Police
You can watch footage from the protest at Carbis Bay below...