Protests at Chichester's Market Cross for Extinction Rebellion's 'Kill the Bill'

The Kill the Bill protests took place today (Monday, January 10) between 11am and 3pm where protesters invited passers-by to discuss the issue and to receive information on the bill.

The controversial bill allows the police to enforce 'conditions' on protests if they cause 'serious annoyance' to local communities, organisations or the environment. It is the belief of the protesters that these 'conditions' actually facilitate a banning of a protest.

In attendance was Sarah Sharp, Green Party councillor for West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council and Chichester City Council, who explained why she was standing with Extinction Rebellion in opposing the bill.

She said: "I've been involved in protests in the past [and I am here as] I need to safeguard for me and for other people, the ability to take part in protest in the future. This bill is not a good thing, I think we are sleepwalking into a very dangerous situation, so that is my motivation [for being here]."

Cllr Sharp explained she had been a part of many protests in the past, including the protests to keep Chichester court open and to save Rumboldswhyke CE Infants’ School. She was joined at the protest by Councillor Deborah Carter, who echoed Cllr Sharp's views on the importance of protest.

Cllr Carter said: "It is quite frightening that we are losing the ability to protest. As women, we [Cllr Sharp and she] would not be here without protest, we wouldn't have been elected, we wouldn't have the vote".

Cllr Sharp and Cllr Carter then highlighted all of the great significant social developments that would have never happened if there was a law like the police crime and sentencing and courts bill banning protest, such as apartheid and the suffragettes.