Hundreds gather in St Albans to protest prorogation of Parliament
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture: Anna Bullen - Credit: Archant
Hundreds of protesters assembled in St Albans city centre last weekend to demonstrate against the prorogation of Parliament.
Cllr Malachy Pakenham, speaking at the St Albans protest of the suspension of Parliament. Picture: Fiona McAndrew - Credit: Archant
There were 450 people outside St Albans Clock Tower on Saturday declaring their "outrage" that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will suspend Parliament from sometime between September 9 and 12 until October 14.
It was organised by St Albans for Europe, a pro-EU campaign group in the district, which believes Mr Johnson's intention is to force through a No Deal Brexit on October 31.
Chair and secretary of the group, Fiona McAndrew and Helen Campbell respectively, have issued a joint statement.
They said the protest showed St Albans "will not stand by and watch this appalling anti-democratic move"
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Fiona McAndrew - Credit: Archant
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"The hard No Deal Brexit that Johnson is willing to inflict on us will damage the UK for decades, and shutting down Parliament in order to try and force it is the act of a dictator and a liar," they said.
Both scheduled and spontaneous speakers came forward at the event to address the crowd, many of whom were wearing 'defend democracy' sashes.
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Participants also wrote messages in a Book of Condolence for the Loss of Democracy in Britain.
St Albans City and District Council Labour councillor Malachy Pakenham said the crowd was "united in outrage and concern".
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Andy Norman - Credit: Archant
Prospective Parliamentary candidate for the St Albans Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper, described the government as "nasty" and Mr Johnson as a "dangerous man".
She said: "They've put a sledge hammer through our democracy, silencing our elected representatives, threatening food and medicine shortages and pushing for a destructive Brexit at any cost."
St Albans for Europe activist and local Conservative party member, Paul Verity, said: "This is a very dangerous precedent.
"It may be considered by some to be a clever negotiation ploy but it is highly irresponsible with huge unknown consequences."
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Liz Needham - Credit: Archant
Fifteen-year-old Kat added: "This is my future, and the future of my generation that they are ruining. We will not forgive them."
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Laura Hussey - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Liz Needham - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Liz Needham - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Katherine Tucker - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Emma Matanle - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Laura Hussey - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Helen Campbell - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Neil Campbell - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Liz Needham - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Laura Hussey - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Laura Hussey - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Anna Marie Felice - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Anna Marie Felice - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Damian Boys - Credit: Archant
About 450 people turned up for the anti-Parliament suspension protest at St Albans Clock Tower. Picture:Damian Boys - Credit: Archant
