Campaigners are planning to hold what they are describing as an ‘illegal picnic’ in a York park.
Members of Extinction Rebellion York (XR York) will hold the protest on College Green, next to York Minster.
During their picnic, they plan to stage a ‘mocking on’ – attaching themselves to railings and trees using paper chains.
Described as “peaceful, non-disruptive action”, the aim is to draw attention to the impact of new legislation on protestors.
The Public Order Act 2023 gives the police more power to restrict public protest, including ‘locking on’ to structures, buildings, or people using chains, locks, or other devices.
An XR York spokesperson said: “This act threatens to limit freedom of expression and freedom of speech.”
The group says even using paper chains to ‘lock on’ to railings is made illegal by the act.
XR York member Chris Brace said: “Protest is a fundamental human right which is being steadily eroded by our current government.
“We need to take a stand against legislation like the Public Order Act and its ridiculous attacks on our liberty.”
Their protest on College Green will take place between 12pm and 2pm on Saturday 15 July.
Extinction Rebellion is a direct action group urging action in the face of the climate emergency. Found out more about XR York here.
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