Sunderland MP Bridget Phillipson condemns violent scene during a ‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol

Violent scenes marred a “Kill the Bill” protest in Bristol that saw a police station attacked, officers injured and vehicles set on fire on Sunday, March 21.

Protesters gathered to oppose the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which is currently making it’s way through Parliament and if approved, will change the laws surrounding protests.

Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson, appeared on Sky News this morning (Monday, March 22) where she condemned the actions of those involved in last night’s violence.

She said: “Of course the right to peaceful protest an an important part of our democracy but the events we saw last night in Bristol were just completely unacceptable and inexcusable.

"I’m very sorry to hear the police officers were injured in that and I really do hope they make a full and speedy recovery but there can be no excuse for the kind of violence that we saw.

"It is completely wrong and those involved should face the consequences of their actions.”

Under current legislation, the police have to prove a protest may result in “serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community” before restrictions can be put in place.

However under the new proposed legislation, permission would have to be granted before a protest can be held and fines of up to £2,500 can be issued to protesters if it goes ahead without approval.

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