Campaigners staged what they described as an ‘illegal picnic’ in the shadow of York Minster today (Saturday).
Members of Extinction Rebellion York held the demonstration to mock the new Public Order Act.
This gives police new powers to clamp down on protests which see people ‘locking on’ – glueing or chaining themselves to buildings, roads or other structures.
This afternoon members of XR York aimed to ridicule the new law by ‘mocking on’ – they attached themselves to tables, trees, each other, and a gazebo using paper chains – an activity they say is now illegal under the newly passed law.
The illegal event was also attended by local families from the new XR York Families group, launched earlier this year.
The group connects parents and children who care about the environment.
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.”
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