Police thank 'peaceful and lawful' #KilltheBill protestors across Devon
There have been demonstrations in Plymouth, Exeter and Newquay
Last updated 6th Apr 2021
Devon and Cornwall Police has thanked protestors across the region, for remaining "peaceful and lawful" during their 'Kill the Bill' demonstrations.
According to the force, the events in Plymouth, Exeter, Truro, Newquay and St Ives on Saturday 3 April took place "without any significant reports of public order incidents".
Officers have also confirmed that no arrests were made.
'We have always sought to find the right balance'
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".
What is 'Kill the Bill' all about?
In recent weeks, marches have been held nationwide, against the 'Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill' which is currently making its way through Parliament.
This major piece of legislation includes changes to the way officers can respond to protests.
There are some concerns that it's an attempt to restrict human rights, so residents in various parts of our region have been actively opposing the proposals.
Our reporter Sophie Squires shared this footage from Charles Cross Police Station, where Plymouth's participants and organisers showed their objection:
If approved, the Bill would enable police to set noise limits, impose a start and finish time on demonstrations and crackdown on those involving just one person.
Have other parts of the South West been affected?
Simultaneously to the five held in Devon and Cornwall, both Bristol and Swindon have also hosted 'Kill the Bill' protests this Easter weekend. The former's, which descended into riots towards the end, was its fifth march in just two weeks.
You can see our comprehensive coverage of the event here.
A man from Plymouth was charged with attempted arson with intent to endanger life, after another demonstration in Bristol, on Sunday March 21. He's been accused of setting an occupied police van on fire.