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Boris Johnson banned protest and no one noticed, not even him

It is surprising that the government seems to have banned protest, especially as the police have not tried to prevent several demonstrations, following the murder of George Floyd in the US, writes John Rentoul

Sunday 07 June 2020 08:37 BST
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Demonstrators in Britain have ignored social distancing rules and a ban on protests
Demonstrators in Britain have ignored social distancing rules and a ban on protests

The prime minister and the home secretary said several times last week that they supported the right of people to protest – as long as the rules on social distancing are observed.

What they did not seem to realise, or had forgotten, was that they had legislated to make it an offence to take part in a gathering of more than six people – regardless of social distancing – unless it is for specific purposes, which do not include protest.

It is surprising that the government seems to have banned protest, especially as the police have not tried to prevent several demonstrations, following the murder of George Floyd in the US.

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