That's the point. Now they don't need justification to give a flat "No, you can't, now fuck off before you get tear-gassed."
No its so they can close roads etc etc and
help facilitate protests. Someone has to balance out the needs of the people wanting to protest and the people that live and work wherever it is [ after not all take place in the centre of london ]
I mentioned the recent EDL stuff it would've been far easier to prevent them from happening. But they didn't.
TBH i'm not even sure why i'm debating this as there is nothing in the legislation that mentions protests.
ASBOS were supposed to prevent anti-social behavior, but they didnt work.
IMO squat parties are a form of protest, but thats not why I mentioned them. The point I was making is that even in the face of blatant mass law breaking the police sometimes use thier discretion and turn a blind eye.
I don't agree with your view on european history; IMO hitler was worrying people well before he invaded Poland...but hey...open to interpretation i guess.
I also disagree with your view on the relationship between the government and police. Of all the public sector workers they tend to stand up to the Home Secretaries more than any others.
But anyways.. I see your point of view. I value my freedoms as much as the next guy. I just think my point of view is more realistic...or maybe just more world weary.
The blogs [ like the one OP linked ] claim WE'RE DOOMED!!!!!! every time a new law is passed and it annoys me as much as a daily mail editorial.
Putting a smiley face and calling it day...we're unlikey to change each others minds here....just had to respond to the points raised :D