A Deliberate Assault by our Government Against our Rights
On Saturday 27th January, I marched with Liberal Democrats amongst hundreds of demonstrators, at the Protect the Right to Strike march, in Cheltenham. As a Liberal, I consider this defence of our liberty to be both a principal obligation, and an honour.
What we are facing in the United Kingdom in 2024 is a deliberate and sustained assault by our government against our rights.
In May 2023 the Conservatives passed their Public Order Act 2023. The Joint Committee on Human Rights reported that the bill extended police powers to disrupt protest, even where there were no grounds for suspicion. Even Conservative Baroness Cavendish called the Act "... an affront to civilised society".
In July 2023 the Conservatives passed their Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023. Absent from the 2019 Conservative Party Manifesto and therefore without mandate, this Act was designed to stop employees from standing together, so that they would be unable to challenge employers or government over pay and conditions.
Even our right to vote them out has been impacted. The Conservatives have implemented ID checks at polling stations, knowing very well that younger voters are both less likely to have identification, and less likely to vote Conservative. As 2023 drew to a close, the Conservatives increased the election spending allowance by 80%, without a Commons vote, and are the only party with the financial capacity to have ever neared the limit as it previously stood. This policy will directly advantage the Conservative Party.
Those who dare to challenge the government are publicly undermined or criticised by ministers and throughout national media. I will stand against them regardless.
The Conservatives do not want us to stand together.
It is time to stand together.