Protesters will have to stick to certain locations and timings or else face arrest
Protesters and police at a previous (Image: Bristol Live)
Separate “protest zones” will be enforced in Bristol on Sunday (October 5) during a planned demonstration by an anti-immigration group calling themselves Bristol Patriots, with a counter-protest also expected. Bristol Patriots are expected to gather near the Cenotaph before marching to College Green.
Police say protesters and counter-protesters will be permitted to gather in separate areas near the Cenotaph, but not at the Cenotaph itself, from 11am. Any march must then start between 2pm and 2.15pm, and the two groups must then assemble on opposite sides of College Green.
All protest activity must be wrapped up by 5pm. Inspector John Shaddick, of the Bristol Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the measures had been taken to ensure peaceful protest, maintain public safety and minimise disruption.
Police say protesters and counter-protesters at an anti-migrant march on Sunday must stick to certain zones and follow a specific route.(Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
“Everybody has a fundamental right to protest in the UK,” he said. “We have a duty to enable peaceful protest, but what we will not tolerate is hate or violence from anyone.
“Not only does providing separate areas for protests provide equal opportunity to both groups, but it should also help maintain public safety and minimise disruption on other people working or visiting Bristol on Sunday, something we are mindful of given the planned procession route by the protest group includes a busy part of the road network.”
Police have issued a map outlining the planned protest areas at both the Cenotaph and College Green, as well as the designated route they say the march must take place along.
Police will also have enhanced powers across central Bristol from 7am until 10pm on Sunday, allowing them to compel people to remove face coverings or move people along from the area if they are causing or likely to cause harm or distress to people.
Police will also have special powers in central Bristol all day on Sunday to move people along or force them to remove face coverings(Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
There have been clashes between anti-immigration protestors and anti-racism counter demonstrators outside a so-called “asylum seeker hotel” in Bristol in recent months. Three people were arrested on suspicion of assault and affray at a protest on September 7, although police said it passed without “significant incident”.
“We would urge everyone planning to attend to familiarise themselves with the map so they know where they need to be and the relevant timings, with all protest activity needing to conclude by 5pm,” Inspector Shaddick said. “Officers will be on the ground and able to advise anyone who is uncertain.
“Failure to comply with the conditions can be an arrestable offence. By publishing the details of them with several days’ notice we are making sure everyone planning to attend is aware of them and therefore hope no arrests will be necessary.”