The government is rushing ahead to try to END the RIGHT TO PROTEST in Parliament Square with the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill. Many of you have signed the Global Women's Strike petition against the proposed ban which targets anti-war protesters Brian Haw, who has been there continuously for over three year, and the Strike's weekly Community Speakout. The Committee stage of parliamentary debate of the Bill is taking place this week and next week. We invite you to a briefing of MPs on TUESDAY 18 JANUARY, 1-2 pm in the House of Commons, Committee Room 14, which will be chaired by John McDonnell MP, who has also issued an Early Day Motion opposing the ban. It is vital that the level of public concern about this be made visible to the MPs. The petition has been signed by many people and organisations, including a number of prominent individuals -- see list. Speakers will include Brian Haw and his lawyer Michael Schwarz who have won many previous eviction attempts. We hope that a number of those who have signed the petition or the EDM will come and speak. Please try to come if at all possible. And whether or not you can make it yourself, please contact your MP, or any MP or peer you are in touch with and get them to come as well! It would be helpful if you can let us know if you're planning to come. For the right to protest, Kay Chapman Legal Action for Women's Parliamentary Briefing on the Serious Organised Crime & Police Bill |