Member News
Home secretary Theresa May has today authorised a blanket ban on marches in a city on the day of a planned protest by a right-wing campaign group.
May authorised the move following the proposals from the English Defence League to hold a demonstration in Leicester on October 9.
Concerns had been raised by Leicestershire Police's chief constable about the march and a counter-demonstration by Unite Against Fascism.
The blanket ban prevents any group marching in the city on that date. However, despite the ban, groups could still hold static demonstrations.
A Home Office spokesman said: "Having carefully balanced rights to protest against the need to ensure local communities and property are protected, the home secretary gave her consent to a Leicester City Council Order banning any marches in the city on October 9.
"Leicestershire Constabulary are committed to using their powers to ensure communities and properties are protected and we encourage all local people to work with the police to ensure community cohesion is not undermined by public disorder."
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.