Skip to main content

Proceeding contribution from Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour) in the House of Lords on Thursday, 16 June 2011. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.


Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill

My Lords, I intervene with another rather silly and naive question. I ask these questions because previously sometimes the most ludicrous things have happened and we find an article in the Evening Standard about action taken during one of these demonstrations which none of us comprehends. I want to ask a very simple question. Clause 146(1) says, "““if it appears to that constable or officer that the item is being, or has been, used in connection with the commission of an offence under section 144””." What about a deckchair? If a demonstrator turned up with a deckchair, who will decide whether the chair is for sitting upon or for sleeping upon? It is in those silly little areas that stupid decisions are taken that can lead to trouble in crowds, and subsequently to violence. It can be the small things that trigger a demonstration. This is why this whole area of the Bill should have been dealt with in far greater detail than it has been, and I simply ask what might appear a naive question but may well turn into an issue at some stage.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
728 c979-80 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Children Abuse Clubs Alcoholic drinks Demonstrations Costs Anti-social behaviour Crown Prosecution Service Arrest warrants Fees and charges Greater London Drugs Fines Driving under influence Licensed premises Immunity from prosecution Freedom of expression International law Local government Police Powers Prosecutions Public interest Parliament Square Protest Misuse Opening hours Licensing laws Sales Young people Reform War crimes Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
Legislation
Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk