Further 'Kill the Bill' protest to take place in Sheffield this weekend

At 1pm on Saturday, May 1, demonstrators will gather on Devonshire Green for the fourth protest against the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill in the city in just a few months.

The event has been timed to coincide with International Workers’ Day and people are also being encouraged to wear red – a colour associated with workers’ movements globally.

Thoe who attend are also being asked to make noise. According to organisers, one of the things the bill seeks to criminalise is protest that is too ‘noisy’ or ‘annoying’.

A spokesperson said: “We’ve had plenty of examples lately of how police abuse their powers and rather than reigning them in, the Government wants to give them even more power.

"If this bill passes it will essentially permit police to steal or kill on the job, ban protest and deny the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities their right to exist.”

“But the Government don’t know what they’re in for, this movement is getting bigger and bigger everyday with thousands of people across the country getting organised, standing together and saying enough is enough.”

“On International Workers' Day, there are more than 30 demonstrations taking place nationwide. Tens of thousands of angry people are taking to the streets and showing their utter contempt for this deeply authoritarian piece of legislation.”

“We cannot and will not allow this bill to pass, it is a flagrant attack on our civil liberties and everyone should be up in arms about it.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.