The SNP has slammed Labour after a senior MP said that they would not repeal Tory anti-protest laws. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said a Labour government won't be "picking through all the Conservative legislation and repealing it" when asked about the anti-protest laws during his LBC radio show.
This came after the head of anti-monarchy group Republic was arrested at the Coronation. The UK Government recently passed laws which mean protesters who block roads can receive a 12-month prison sentence and those who lock onto other, a building or an object can be given a six-month jail term.
Police are also allowed to stop protesters they suspect are out to cause “disruption”. The SNP said Labour's failure to oppose the legislation was "spineless".
A caller asked Lammy during the radio programme: “Would you be prepared as a Labour government to repeal this legislation which is totally unnecessary - given that you agree it's unnecessary, and the other legislation this liberticide government has passed - which is attempting to control and repress our right to protest that are right to oppose legally and legitimately actions by our government?”
Lammy strongly suggested that Labour would not repeal the law. He said: "We can't come into office picking through all the Conservative legislation and repealing it. It would take up so much parliamentary time.
"We need a positive agenda. The primary thing is cost of living, inflation and getting growth back into this country. Keir Starmer's been right to prioritise it."
SNP MP Chris Stephens claimed Lammy's stance showed how similar Labour and the Tories are. He said: "With each passing day, pro-Brexit Labour prove just how indistinguishable they are from the Tories. Failing to commit to scrapping this draconian piece of legislation demonstrates how spineless Keir Starmer's party has become.
“Instead of taking the fight those who have the right to protest, both the Tories and Labour should follow the Scottish Government's lead and always commit to getting round the table and negotiating with those involved.
"With analysis pointing to a hung parliament, it is crucial that voters back the SNP so that we can hold the balance of power and force Keir Starmer's pro-Brexit Labour Party to the left at every opportunity."
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