MORE than 300 people rallied in Bangor last weekend in a bid to protect the right to peacefully protest and oppose a new bill being pushed through by the UK Government.

Civic society groups incuding Cymdeithas y Cymod, Extinction Rebellion Bangor and Divest Gwynedd gathered on Saturday, January 8 to express concern that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would severely damage freedom and democracy in the UK.

It was a crucial and successful protest with more than 300 people from diverse causes, all concerned about the rights to peaceful protest gathering at Bangor clock, and marching along High Street to the green at Storiel art centre.

Arfon MP Hywel Williams spoke about the importance of protest in the Welsh language campaign, and the current government's other legislation to erode human rights, while Bangor mayor Owen Hurcum talked about the importance of protest in gaining LGBT rights.

Social distancing between household bubbles, and mask wearing was maintained by the march stewards.

Ayeisha Hughes, disability assessor at Bangor University, said: “If this bill had been implemented 100 years ago, we wouldn't have women's suffrage, civil rights, or laws against child labour today.

“Even something as basic as weekends was won through protest! We helped spread the message about the bill that is being passed under our noses, which is so important.

“There is still time to put pressure on the House of Lords, who vote on the bill this week, to stop the worst parts of the bill from going through.”

Under the terms of the bill, any protest which is deemed "annoying" or "noisy" can be shut down, even if it entirely peaceful.

Police would be able to detain anyone who they suspect might be carrying equipment for a protest, and would have powers to stop and search without suspicion.

Alison Shaw, a retired science teacher from Conwy, added: “This is not the path to a free and just society.

“This is the path to a crackdown on our centuries old rights of freedom of movement, expression and assembly. This is entirely incompatible with the UK’s self-image as a place of liberty.

“Peaceful protest is part of a a healthy democratic society. If we cannot protest peacefully, how else can we stand for the changes we need in society?

“Governments need to be questioned and criticised by citizens.”

Participant Heather Jones, a psychotherapist from Groeslon, said: “I felt very inspired by the speakers. People came together to show the importance of the right of having a voice.

“Several fantastic poets conveyed how vital our ability to protest remains for the protection of ourselves, our community and our earth.”