You might have heard about the Bristol protest against the Courts Bill. If so, you may be wondering what the rally is all about. This article will look at a few topics you may want to know about: ‘Fallen Idols by Alex von Tunzelmann, the ‘Kill the Bill protest, and fairer childcare.
‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol.
The police’s response to the ‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol on Sunday was not as smooth as it could have been. The police were forced to make seven arrests, and the commissioner of Avon and Somerset said that many more would follow. The protest, which started peacefully on College Green, turned violent as hundreds of protesters poured into the police station in New Bridewell. At least 20 officers were injured. The protesters had gathered to protest the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Bill.
The protesters were met with a significant police presence during the demonstration, and they were attacked by firebombs, fireworks, and riot gear. One protester, Carolyn York, was struck by a police baton three times and thought she had broken her hand. A police dog also bit her. She reported these injuries to the police, but the investigation was stopped shortly after she made the complaint. York was later arrested and convicted of fabricating a narrative to the court.
The police are still looking for those responsible for the Bristol riot. Many of the protesters have been charged with rioting. This is one of the most severe public order offenses. The charge can be ten years in prison, and the police have not finished bringing these people to justice.
‘Fallen Idols’ by Alex von Tunzelmann
Fallen Idols is a book that explores the history of the rise and fall of famous statues. Author Alex von Tunzelmann discusses the significance of monuments, how societies remember their past, and whether figures have had their day. The book also focuses on the importance of art, history, and the preservation of public monuments.
The book is divided into twelve chapters that feature fallen statues of historical figures. It begins with an introduction and ends with a concluding chapter. There are thirteen images throughout the book. The images depicted in the book challenge the myths about statues. For instance, many figures of people who lived in the past were atypical in their societies and received criticism during their lives.
Fallen Idols explores the history of twelve toppled statues around the world. It explains the reasons for their construction, their symbolism, and the consequences of their removal. Moreover, it argues that statute removal should not be the sole decision of a government. As long as statues are adequately researched and handled, they should remain in our public spaces. Otherwise, their removal could lead to a domino effect.
Fairer and more affordable childcare
A Bristol mother says she had a “nightmare” time looking for childcare when she returned to work in May. On top of the financial pressure, she had just given birth to her son and was now dealing with the emotional and physical stresses of being a working mother. Her second childminder had just pulled out, leaving her scrambling to find another. She cried as she tried to figure out how to keep her job.
Mothers across the country are taking action to make childcare more affordable and accessible. The March of the Mummies is a national day of action calling for the government to invest in the childcare infrastructure and ensure that mothers can stay in the workplace while their children attend nursery. The protest will occur in Bristol on 29 October, and hundreds of mums are expected to participate. The campaign aims to make the government’s lack of consideration for working parents obvious and demand immediate action.
The March of the Mummies is part of a nationwide day of action organized by the charity Pregnant Then Screwed. The march will start in St Peter’s Square and down Princess Street, Oxford Road, and Whitworth Street before returning to the Central Library. During the demonstration, families with children are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in music.
Courts bill
The Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts bill was the main topic of a protest in Bristol on Saturday, with hundreds of people taking to the streets. The bill would increase the sentencing for people convicted of crimes, such as vandalism and trespassing, and it would also introduce new crimes. These would include “intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance,” which would be punishable by ten years in prison. It would also introduce new laws to increase the maximum sentences for offenses such as vandalism and destruction of memorials.
The police were forced to deploy 300 officers to the area to fend off the protesters. At least 20 police officers were injured in the violent clashes, and 12 police vehicles were damaged. The incident sparked a response from the government’s Home Secretary, Priti Patel.
The government defended the bill, saying it would only apply to “very disruptive” gatherings. Although the government is unlikely to agree to the protesters’ demands, protesters are determined to continue their campaign. Further protests are expected this weekend across the UK. A statement published on Wednesday opposing the bill has over 100 signatories. In a separate letter, more than 150 civil society organizations, including trade union officials, sent a letter to the home secretary Priti Patel condemning the bill.
The first ‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol was violent. Police have arrested 14 protesters, and a police vehicle was set alight. The rally was followed by riots on the 21 March, with 21 police officers injured and several cars and a police station attacked.
Police response
The police response to the Bristol protests was far from peaceful, as police used riot gear to disperse protesters and beat them with batons. A Reuters photographer captured images of demonstrators throwing fireworks and scaling a police building. Two officers were injured in the riots, and the protests left 18 other officers wounded. The Avon and Somerset Police Department has described the events as “disgraceful” and vowed to identify and prosecute those responsibly.
The protest began peacefully but quickly became violent, with some demonstrators throwing rocks and setting their vehicles on fire. Demonstrators were angry at a government bill in the legislature granting police new powers to suppress protests. The police and crime commissioner of the Avon and Somerset region said the demonstration had started peacefully, but a small minority of protesters had turned it into a riot.
The Police Inspectorate has published a report on the incident, which critics said did not go far enough. The police did not do enough to protect the statue, and their actions may have contributed to the disorder. Meanwhile, the local policing area commander had expressed concerns about the potential damage to the figure and informed Bristol city council of the possible need for protective measures.
A cross-bench group of MPs condemned the police response to the protest, saying they failed to distinguish between peaceful and violent protestors. In particular, the police were accused of excessive force, using batons and riot shields to disperse the protesters. The MPs were particularly critical of the police’s treatment of a teenage protestor. Avon and Somerset’s police allegedly forced their way into the teenager’s home before he could dress for the protest. They even mocked the teenager before he was able to leave the house.
Rioting in Bristol in the 18th century
There is no clear-cut evidence for the reasons behind rioting in Bristol during the 18th century. However, the Protestant establishment was concerned about ‘Jacobite plots,’ which they believed were attempts to overthrow the government and reinstate James II. The rioters also looted wealthy houses.
The rioters in Bristol had a different plan, and this schedule was not one of enfranchising the working class. The riots, which lasted three days, resulted in the deaths of eleven people and injured 45 others. This incident was considered one of the worst in England during the 18th century.
The riots in Bristol in the 18th century were a symptom of a more general political problem. The middle class and pro-reformists tried to suppress the riots, but this failed to make their point. The rioting in Bristol was not primarily about parliamentary reform but about class anger and its effects on society.
In the early 18th century, Bristol became heavily involved in the slave trade. The slave trade involved importing raw materials from Africa to England in return for enslaved people. These enslaved people were then transported to the West Indies, where they were exchanged for sugar, tobacco, and rum. The slave trade created a triangle between the city and Africa. Bristol also imported timber from Scandinavia, which was used for shipbuilding.
The rioting in Bristol in the 18th century was the first notable clash of the city with the establishment. This riot in 1793 occurred on the Bristol Bridge. The following day, the city’s mayor, Marvin Rees, set up the We Are Bristol History Commission, which will work to preserve its history.
