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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Steve Robson

Watch moment hundreds of protesters chant 'Kill the Bill' in Manchester city centre as police watch on

This is the moment hundreds of people joined a protest in Manchester city centre over the government's controversial new crime laws.

The 'Kill the Bill' demonstration began with dozens of people marching down Market Street and Deansgate before gathering in St Peter's Square at around 5pm tonight.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill has been passed by MPs in the House of Commons tonight despite fierce criticism.

It includes measures which will increase sentences for certain types of crime and significantly increases police powers over the right to protest.

Labour has chosen to vote against the bill saying it will impose disproportionate controls on free expression.

Video shared with the MEN by TKE Media shows the protesters gathered in St Peter's Square chanted 'Kill the Bill' while several people made speeches.

Speeches were heard in St Peter's Square (TKE Media)

Police officers were present throughout the march and gathering but did not appear to take any enforcement action.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said though a 'large number' of people attended, the 'vast majority' dispersed once officers engaged with them.

It follows intense scrutiny of the policing of protests under coronavirus restrictions after a series of controversies in recent weeks.

On March 7, NHS worker Karen Reissmann was handed a £10,000 fine for organising a protest in St Peter's Square over the government's 1 per cent pay rise.

Hundreds march down Deansgate in protest over crime bill (Jess Stoddard)

Only a handful of people attended and Karen shut down the protest after less than ten minutes when officers said it was illegal for the protest to go ahead.

The Mayor Andy Burnham has asked GMP to review the fine.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police force has been heavily criticised for its handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard.

Met bosses insist the vigil had started peacefully but became 'unlawful' when a large crowd gathered and people began making speeches.

Responding to tonight's protest, GMP said in a statement: "Police were made aware of a possible protest in Manchester city centre this afternoon (Tuesday 16 March).

"At around 5pm, a large number of people had begun to attend.

"Officers engaged with those present and the vast majority of those who had gathered dispersed without any further issue shortly after 6pm."

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