LibDem PCC candidate for Kent, Graham Colley, backs Ed Davey call to end Coronavirus Emergency Powers
In Parliament and in the press media Ed Davey said "a sensible, reasonable government that cared about Civil Liberties and the rule of law would not be seeking to renew such a flawed piece of legislation". He continued "handing ministers a blank cheque for another six months is unnecessary and unjustified".
Graham Colley agreed. "A year ago, our government realised that making light of Coronavirus in the beginning and having inadequate public health preparations had resulted in the UK having one of worst death rates in the world. It needed to act immediately and Parliament supported it."
"The legislation was prepared in haste and rushed through with its provisions causing great confusion among police and prosecutors. Many people were wrongfully arrested, charged and even prosecuted using it. A CPS review more of than 250 prosecutions found not a single one was correctly charged."
Graham Colley added "Draconian regulations are now bringing the police unnecessarily into conflict with the people, where people are exercising their democratic right to protest. Most in these demonstrations seem to behave responsibly and socially distance and, unless provoked, end peacefully. The police, on the whole, have used powers of persuasion and reason to ensure that lockdown measures are observed."
"By enforcing these unclear powers the police are brought into conflict with the public, endangering themselves and all involved. Extending these powers will only make the situation worse."
Graham concluded "The police are the public and the public are the police. Harsh legislation risks damaging that most important relationship".
ENDS
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coronavirus-act-law-vote-b1821718.html