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Information on the legislation to deal with demonstrations around Parliament
Taking your questions in turn:
1. I understand that the Metropolitan Police Service plan to put advice on their website about the procedures for applying for a demonstration around Parliament.
2. An Order defining the designated area was also laid before Parliament on 10 June. Copies are available at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/stat.htm
3. There was no public consultation before the publication of this Order.
4. An Order defining the designated area gives a detailed description of the designated area. A map has been produced for illustrative purposes and is available at:
http://www.met.police.uk/publicorder/protest_march.htm
5. The “one kilometre from the nearest point in Parliament Square refers to the central part of Parliament Square.
6. The designated area does not include Waterloo Station and it does not extend underground.
7. As the legislation deals with the person taking part in a demonstration, it does not cover the airspace above Parliament Square as the demonstrators are unlikely in the air. However, any use of kites, helium balloons or other equipment in the airspace would have to comply with Civil Aviation legislation.
8. There is no minimum duration to a demonstration before it falls under the new provisions.
9. The definition of a demonstration is ultimately a matter for the courts.
10. Written notice seeking authorisation for a demonstration must be delivered to a police station within the Metropolitan Police District or sent by post by recorded delivery to such a police station.
11. The Commissioner will not accept digital electronic signatures as written notice must be in writing and delivered to a police station within the Metropolitan Police District or sent by post by recorded delivery to such a police station.
12. Authorisations for a demonstration should be addressed to the Commissioner. There is no need for copies to be sent. Alternatively a discretionary form will be available from the Metropolitan Police. Further advice is available from the Operations Office at Charing Cross Police Station. (0207 321 7524).
13. Beeping of horns is not classified as a loudspeaker. A convoy of moving vehicles could be classed as a “procession”. In this case the provisions of sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Public Order Act 1986 would apply and not the provisions of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
14. A separate notification needs to be submitted for each new demonstration, however long it lasts. However one letter could seek authorisation for more than one demonstration.
15. 6 days notice must been given, if it is reasonably practicable. If it is not 24 hours notice must be given. The Government recognises that there should be provision for a shorter notice period of 24 hours in exceptional circumstances. For example, a demonstration may be organised as a response to an event which could not be foreseen.
16. Any amendment or cancellation of a demonstration should be notified to the Metropolitan Police so they can consider vary the conditions given or impose additional conditions
Regulations on demonstrations in and around Parliament Square in light of the new Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005
Date: Fri Jul 22 00:00:00 BST 2005
16 part request relating to regulations on demonstrations in and around Parliament Square in light of the new Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005Information on the legislation to deal with demonstrations around Parliament
Taking your questions in turn:
1. I understand that the Metropolitan Police Service plan to put advice on their website about the procedures for applying for a demonstration around Parliament.
2. An Order defining the designated area was also laid before Parliament on 10 June. Copies are available at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/stat.htm
3. There was no public consultation before the publication of this Order.
4. An Order defining the designated area gives a detailed description of the designated area. A map has been produced for illustrative purposes and is available at:
http://www.met.police.uk/publicorder/protest_march.htm
5. The “one kilometre from the nearest point in Parliament Square refers to the central part of Parliament Square.
6. The designated area does not include Waterloo Station and it does not extend underground.
7. As the legislation deals with the person taking part in a demonstration, it does not cover the airspace above Parliament Square as the demonstrators are unlikely in the air. However, any use of kites, helium balloons or other equipment in the airspace would have to comply with Civil Aviation legislation.
8. There is no minimum duration to a demonstration before it falls under the new provisions.
9. The definition of a demonstration is ultimately a matter for the courts.
10. Written notice seeking authorisation for a demonstration must be delivered to a police station within the Metropolitan Police District or sent by post by recorded delivery to such a police station.
11. The Commissioner will not accept digital electronic signatures as written notice must be in writing and delivered to a police station within the Metropolitan Police District or sent by post by recorded delivery to such a police station.
12. Authorisations for a demonstration should be addressed to the Commissioner. There is no need for copies to be sent. Alternatively a discretionary form will be available from the Metropolitan Police. Further advice is available from the Operations Office at Charing Cross Police Station. (0207 321 7524).
13. Beeping of horns is not classified as a loudspeaker. A convoy of moving vehicles could be classed as a “procession”. In this case the provisions of sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Public Order Act 1986 would apply and not the provisions of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
14. A separate notification needs to be submitted for each new demonstration, however long it lasts. However one letter could seek authorisation for more than one demonstration.
15. 6 days notice must been given, if it is reasonably practicable. If it is not 24 hours notice must be given. The Government recognises that there should be provision for a shorter notice period of 24 hours in exceptional circumstances. For example, a demonstration may be organised as a response to an event which could not be foreseen.
16. Any amendment or cancellation of a demonstration should be notified to the Metropolitan Police so they can consider vary the conditions given or impose additional conditions
