Tory MP accuses peer of 'hyperbole' over anti-protest bill concerns

10 May 2022, 17:44

Tory MP attacks peer for criticism of Public Order Bill

By Seán Hickey

The former Justice Secretary shut down a Green Party peer over her claim that government's proposed anti-protest legislation brings the UK in line with authoritarian regimes.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Following the Queen's Speech on Tuesday morning, the government have come under fire for some of the legislation they aim to introduce over this session of Parliament.

Baroness Jenny Jones took exception to the measures government aim to introduce in the Public Order Bill, which crack down on the public's right to protest.

Read more: Crackdown on eco zealots using 'locking-on' tactics to be unveiled in Queen's Speech

After branding the proposals "antidemocratic", the Green Party peer reminded Eddie Mair that the House of Lords upheld much of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill amid concerns it would roll back basic human rights.

She hit out at the government passing bills to the upper house: "They don't read it. They don't have time. The whips just waft it through."

The Baroness defended those raising awareness against the "draconian" measures.

Read more: Eco activist attacks government's 'draconian' protest crackdown in Public Order Bill

'It's antidemocratic to try and suppress protest in this way.'

Read more: Minister brands eco zealots 'Waitrose-card holders who can afford to pay £1k fines'

"You can't expect this sort of repressive, Russian-style legislation to go through without some protest!"

Former Justice Secretary and Conservative MP Robert Buckland took exception to the Baroness' comments, branding her concerns "hyperbole."

"If you start citing Russia and other dictatorships, you lose the argument," he claimed, adding that the Public Order Bill is "about balance, not about dictatorship."

"Come on, get real!" The agitated MP urged the Green peer.

Mr Buckland went on to defend the government's proposals, stating that "on this, I think the balance is struck fairly."

More Eddie Mair

Eddie Mair's heated row with Sir Iain Duncan-Smith on cost of living measures

Eddie Mair's heated row with Sir Iain Duncan Smith on cost of living measures

Where to seek help if you're impacted by the cost of living crisis

Where to seek help if you're impacted by the cost of living crisis

Eddie Mair scrutinises Tory MP who backs Liz Truss over her stance 'on woke'

Eddie Mair scrutinises Tory MP who backs Liz Truss over her stance 'on woke'

Furious caller clashes with climate scientists over 'pointless' net-zero targets

Furious caller clashes with climate scientists over 'pointless' net zero targets

Eddie Mair lists Ministers with the power to oust Boris Johnson

Eddie Mair lists Ministers with the power to oust Boris Johnson

'Horrific': LBC listeners reveal chilling experiences of stalking

'Horrific': LBC listeners reveal chilling experiences of stalking

'Scotland is inept': Scottish caller furious over idea of IndyRef 2

'Scotland is inept': Scottish caller outraged at idea of IndyRef 2

Texas Republican: Ensuring doors work properly will stop school shootings

Texas Republican: Ensuring doors work properly will stop school shootings

'You don't need a crystal ball!': Furious Eddie Mair corners Tory MP on cost of living crisis

'You don't need a crystal ball!': Furious Eddie Mair corners Tory MP on cost of living crisis

Exclusive
Kremlin chaos: Putin 'constantly surrounded by doctors' as illness throws regime in disarray

Putin 'constantly surrounded by doctors' as illness throws Kremlin into chaos

Tory MP: 'Oil companies have a cartel monopoly' over consumers

Tory MP: 'Oil companies have a cartel monopoly' over consumers

Jack Monroe slams Tory MP's 'abhorrent' food bank comments

Jack Monroe slams Tory MP's 'abhorrent' food bank comments

'Prime Minister in waiting!' Starmer saluted after Covid fine resignation pledge

'Prime Minister in waiting!' Starmer saluted after Covid fine resignation pledge

From Covid infection to being fined: Eddie Mair's painstaking timeline on partygate and Boris

From Covid infection to the fine: Eddie Mair's painstaking timeline on partygate and Boris

Partygate fines: Eddie Mair grills Tory MP Sir Roger Gale over PM future

Partygate fines: Eddie Mair grills Tory MP over PM's future

'He set the rules and broke them!' Eddie Mair's tense clash with caller defending PM

'He set the rules and broke them!' Eddie Mair's tense clash with caller defending PM