Everyone has the right to protest despite holding up 'mythical' ambulances, caller argues

16 January 2023, 10:18

Caller: Despite the 'mythical ambulances' being held up, people have the 'right' to protest

Madeleine Wilson

By Madeleine Wilson

This caller told Nick Ferrari that protests are "far more important" than combatting issues with traffic.

Speaking to Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, Neil from Farnham said that he believes protests are "far more important" than sorting the traffic out.

The conversation came as the UK Government has confirmed that police could be allowed to intervene before protests become highly disruptive, under new measures set to be considered in Parliament.

The amendment to the Public Order Bill will aim to give police greater clarity about when they can intervene to stop demonstrators blocking roads or slow marching.

The proposals, backed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, come after police chiefs claimed there is some uncertainty over what can be currently classed as "serious disruption" under existing law.

Neil said: "I've been driving on the roads in this country for 30 years.

"Commuting, work. Every day, the traffic is held up for multiple hours because of poor driving, accidents, and road works.

"Central London is impossible to drive around because of the hold-ups.

"So somebody gluing themselves to the road and the mythical ambulances being held up it will make no difference.

Nick said: "Well why don't we try and resolve these issues and allow people and emergency vehicles to perform in their natural way?"

Read more: Just Stop Oil plan new campaign of disruption in 2023 - and could target the King's Coronation and strike days

Just Stop Oil protesters bring the Strand to a halt

Nick continued: "An accident isn't a deliberate act, six people marching through Hyde Park holding hands and banners is a deliberate act."

Read more: Eco-activists' stunts to be curbed, with police to get new powers to stop protests before they cause serious disruption

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Matthew Pennycook told LBC that “good landlords have nothing to fear from these reforms”.

'Good landlords have nothing to fear' in renter reform bill, says minister as he vows to 'drive out' rogue landlords

'It's a total farce': Conservative leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick hits out after Labour abandons Rwanda plans

'It's a total farce': Conservative leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick hits out after Labour abandons Rwanda plans

Exclusive
Trump assassination bid was a ‘serious failure’ by US Secret Service, ex-MI6 chief tells LBC

Trump assassination bid was a ‘serious failure’ by US Secret Service, ex-MI6 chief tells LBC

Exclusive
Megan McClay

Cancer patient has first round of private chemo after LBC listeners raise thousands for treatment unavailable on NHS

Nick Thomas-Symonds has lamented a "slowness" in the criminal justice system in bringing knife crime offenders to justice.

'We will not tolerate breakdown of law and order': Minister hits out at 'slowness' in criminal justice system

Social media companies need to "make a choice" between using their platforms for social good or social harm

'Power comes with responsibility': Minister calls on social media firms to use 'significant influence' for social good

Exclusive
Sir Thomas Winsor has told LBC that Elon Musk should "stick to batteries, cars and rockets".

Former chief inspector of constabulary Sir Thomas Winsor says Elon Musk should stick to 'batteries, cars and rockets'

Exclusive
Former Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson criticised the use of language

Former Met Commissioner 'unimpressed' by Starmer's use of 'strong phrases' in the wake of violent protests

Minister for Courts rejects idea of 'two-tier policing' following another night of unrest

Minister for Courts rejects idea of 'two-tier policing' following another night of violence

Nigel Farage described Joe Biden as "incompetent"

Nigel Farage says Joe Biden is ‘past his sell-by date’ and US election is all but ‘lost’

Nick Ferrari pressed Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson regarding trans women and bathrooms.

'So which lavatory would they actually use?': Nick Ferrari presses shadow minister on trans women and public toilets

Postal minister Kevin Hollinrake has said a future Tory government could intervene in the deal for Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky to take over the Royal Mail.

'Not a done deal': Minister says Royal Mail sale to foreign owner may not take place

Exclusive
Home Secretary James Cleverly (left) and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper take part in a live immigration debate on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast at Global Studios in Leicester Square, London. Picture date: Tuesday June 25, 2024.

James Cleverly debates Yvette Cooper on immigration | Watch Again

Yvette Cooper slammed Just Stop Oil as 'pathetic'

Yvette Cooper slams 'pathetic' Just Stop Oil as she brands Stonehenge stunt a 'total disgrace'

Laura Saunders, the Conservative candidate for Bristol North West

Tory candidate being investigated over alleged election date bet is 'married to Conservative Director of Campaigns'

Gambling probes into two Tory candidates are a 'betrayal of trust' in Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove has said.

Gove says election bets are ‘betrayal of Prime Minister’s trust’ as second Tory candidate investigated by regulator