Bristol & Clapham Common Inquiry.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

INQUIRY INTO RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TO FREE EXPRESSION AND FREE ASSEMBLY AT THE CLAPHAM COMMON VIGIL ON 13 MARCH 2021 AND THE BRISTOL PROTESTS IN MARCH 2021.

The APPG will conduct an objective and balanced investigation into whether the constitutional and democratic rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly were properly respected and facilitated in respect of the Clapham Common vigil on 13 March and protests in Bristol from 26-29 March and how these events might inform consideration of the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill. 

The investigation will seek to answer the following key questions: 

• To what extent did police work with organisers in advance of the gatherings to facilitate key rights (including both before and after the High Court’s ruling on 12 March 2021)? Were decisions to prohibit gatherings appropriate in this light?

• In what way did coronavirus legislation impact on the gatherings and how was this balanced against relevant constitutional rights? Are the powers relied on necessary and proportionate?

• How did the actions of police and those attending the gatherings impact on the rights to expression and assembly? Were the police actions appropriate and proportionate?

• What are the implications of the above on proposals for enhanced police powers in the PCSC Bill?

Written and (where appropriate) oral evidence will be sought from all relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to: 

• Relevant constabularies.

• The organisers and those attending the vigil.

• Independent experts.

The inquiry will be advised by counsel. 

The inquiry will report by May 2021. 

Hearings will be held in April and the report will be published in early May, timed to coincide with the committee stage of the PCSC Bill. If you submit written evidence you may also be invited to give oral testimony. If you do not wish to give oral testimony, your written submission will still be considered as evidence.

The inquiry is currently taking written evidence.

Please click below on the button relevant to you. This will link to a document of questions. Written answers to these questions / submissions must be sent to sfowles@icdr.co.uk by 14 April 2021.

N.B. There do not appear to be identified organisers of the Bristol assemblies but organisations which encouraged people to attend have been contacted privately.