I can understand why it happened - some of the demonstrators were clearly abusing the rights of others to use Parliament Square (through permanent encampments).
Nevertheless, this action is not something to be celebrated. The ability to demonstrate is deeply ingrained in the British political tradition. The fact that a bunch of protesters were able to stand outside Parliament and scream and shout at MPs and other passers-by is a tribute to the strength of our democracy - not a sign of weakness. Few other countries in the world would have allowed such protests so close to the Legislature, or permitted them to have lasted for so long.
I hope we haven't lost something special in our democratic tradition by removing these protesters. We must be sure to ensure that future peaceful demonstrations (albeit less permanent) around Parliament will not be stopped.
You can read more here.
Nevertheless, this action is not something to be celebrated. The ability to demonstrate is deeply ingrained in the British political tradition. The fact that a bunch of protesters were able to stand outside Parliament and scream and shout at MPs and other passers-by is a tribute to the strength of our democracy - not a sign of weakness. Few other countries in the world would have allowed such protests so close to the Legislature, or permitted them to have lasted for so long.
I hope we haven't lost something special in our democratic tradition by removing these protesters. We must be sure to ensure that future peaceful demonstrations (albeit less permanent) around Parliament will not be stopped.
You can read more here.
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