(TheLibertyRevolution.com)- As the United Kingdom enters a second national lockdown expected to last until December 2, the British government has reportedly instructed police officers to break up any protests of more than two people. The hugely controversial decision means that the British Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has abandoned its party’s principles and banned legal and peaceful protest.
Home Secretary Priti Patel reportedly told police chiefs throughout England that the government would remove exemptions on public gatherings for legal and peaceful protests that have been in place since the beginning of the pandemic, meaning people cannot express their opposition to the new lockdowns.
The Times reported that a source within Whitehall, the British civil service, the move doesn’t technically ban protests but does give clear guidance to police officers to break up gatherings of more than two people. So, in effect, it would still ban protests.
The source also reportedly said that the decision was made as the government expects people to not respond well to the new restrictions.
A police source also told the newspaper that they believe the lockdowns will “cause a lot of trouble.” The same senior police source also reportedly said that officers believe that allowing peaceful and legal protests is a fundamental part of living in a democratic society.
“People are going to be extremely angry and there are concerns they’ll protest the fact they can’t protest,” the source added.
A representative of the British Home Office confirmed that peaceful protest is a “cornerstone” of democracy, but then excused the new rules that stop people from protesting.
“In these unprecedented circumstances, any gathering risks spreading the disease, leading to more deaths, so it is vital we all play our part in controlling the virus,” the spokesman said. “People must follow the rules on meeting with others, which apply to all gatherings and therefore protests too.”
So protests…aren’t a cornerstone of democracy>
British people already appear to be planning resistance to the new lockdown policy, which comes into place on November 5.
A “Million Mask” march is being planned by a group called “Stand Up X.” The march is significant as it will take place on the same day the lockdown comes into place, which is also Guy Fawkes Night. Also known as “Bonfire Night,” the British holiday is a celebration of the failure of a Catholic plot to kill King James I.
