For our democracy: National day of action sees Kill the Bill protests return this Saturday

A national day of action has been called for this Saturday ahead of the House of Lords vote on the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill (PCSC).

If passed, the bill will give the home secretary the authority to ban protests due to excessive noise, and create criminal offences for "wilful obstruction of a highway and interference with the operation of key infrastructure." It will also make "locking on," which is the 'attachment' of a person or object to another person, object, or land, punishable by up to 51 weeks in prison.

This isn't even taking into account the expansion of police stop and search powers during protests. Tuesday saw the House of Lords vote against the rollout of draconian serious violence reduction orders but this will likely be considered once again by parliament when the current pilot scheme ends.

Where are protests taking place?

Protests are taking place nationwide with the official ‘Kill the Bill’ campaign team organising action in London, Exeter, Leeds, and Manchester to name a few. Below are the details for some of the gatherings you’ll see on Saturday, click here for other areas where demos will be taking place.

Where: London, Lincolns Inn Field

Time: 12pm

Where: Cardiff, John Batchelor Statue (The Hayes)

Time: 1pm

Where: Manchester, St Peter's Square 

Time: 1pm

Where: Bristol, College Green 

Time: 1pm 

Where: Nottingham, Brian Clough Statue 

Time: 12pm 

Where: Liverpool, Bombed Out Church 

Time: 1pm 

Where: Bath, Bath Abbey 

Time: 12pm