Today, the controversial sections 132 to 138 of the Serious Organised Crime and Security Act 2005 which curtail free democratic demonstrations or protests in the Designated Area around Parliament Square, have come fully into force.
This means that even if you have applied for, and received prior written permission from the Metropolitan Police for your
"demonstration" (a term which is itself unclear legally), then arbitrary Conditions can be applied including, but not limited to:
"(a) the place where the demonstration may, or may not, be carried on,
(b) the times at which it may be carried on,
(c) the period during which it may be carried on,
(d) the number of persons who may take part in it,
(e) the number and size of banners or placards used,
(f) maximum permissible noise levels."
These arbitrary Conditions can be modified, or new Conditions imposed, by the senior Police Officer on the spot.
The criminal penalties for demonstrating without prior permission, for refusing to obey these any Conditions even if you have got prior written permission, or for any use of loudspeakers (as defined by the Act) have all come into force today.
The Stop The War Coalition has called for a demonstration in Parliaemnet Square from 2pm onwards, to protest against these excessive restrictions on spontaneous demonstrations without prior written permission by the Metropolitan Police.
Will the Parliament Square Jam Cam which gives a periodic snapshot vire of Parliament Square, including Brian Haw's peace protest magically devlop a fault, or go offline "for operational reasons", during the Stop the War demonstration ?
See if you can spot any of the Metropolitan Police Public Order Unit, will be able to police this demostration properly, and determine exactly who has, and who has not, got prior written permission to demonstrate.
Will there be any of the peaceful demonstrators be arrested ?