Eastbourne groups come together for ‘Kill the Bill’ protest

Ten Eastbourne organisations have banded together to organise action against the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament.

Among other things, the Bill proposes extending police powers to impose restrictions, to ban protests on grounds of “noise” or “impact” and to extend police stop and search powers all while increasing the likelihood of arrest and imprisonment of protesters for creating a “nuisance”.

On Monday, April 26 representatives from Eastbourne Stand up to Racism and Eastbourne Unite the Community handed an open letter signed by ten local organisations and dozens of Eastbourne residents calling on Caroline Ansell MP to vote against the Bill at the third reading.

On May 1, International Workers Day, the 10 organisations have jointly organised a protest march and rally following the traditional Eastbourne May Day route assembling at 1pm at Hyde Gardens and marching to the Wish Tower lawn where there will be speakers, poets and musicians.

The day coincides with “Kill the Bill” protests taking place in towns and cities up and down the country.

Along with Eastbourne Stand up to Racism the other groups that have come together to organise action against the bill are Eastbourne People’s Assembly, Eastbourne Trades Union Council, Challenge Racism Eastbourne, Extinction Rebellion Eastbourne, Eastbourne Friends of the Earth, Eastbourne Peace in our Name, Eastbourne Unite the Community, East Sussex Save the NHS and Engels in Eastbourne Campaign.

Anyone who wishes to add their signature or wants to see the letter to the MP is asked to email [email protected].

In regards to the protests a spokesperson from Sussex Police said, “We are aware of protest activity planned in Eastbourne on Saturday (May 1).

“Officers will continue to engage with organisers and groups, as well as members of the public and keep explaining the Covid-19 restrictions which remain in place at this time. We urge the public to carry on supporting us in our efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus.

“Public safety is, and always will be the police’s top priority, and this hasn’t changed throughout our approach to the pandemic.”