Crossbench Peer Lord Dear has thanked The Christian Institute in the House of Lords for its support in reversing the Government’s proposals to outlaw nuisance and annoyance.
The former Chief Constable led a campaign in opposition to plans for new Injunctions to Prevent Nuisance and Annoyance (IPNAs) – which would have replaced Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).
The new injunctions, in clause 1 of the Bill, could have caught a wide range of activities, including Christian street preaching, carol singing or peaceful protests.
Harassment
Peers voted for an amendment tabled by Lord Dear, which requires a much higher threshold of “harassment, alarm or distress” to be met, before an injunction is issued.
Speaking at third reading of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill in the House of Lords, Lord Dear said: “Could I thank the staff of The Christian Institute who gave me invaluable administrative help in the run-up as it were to the vote at Report”.
He also thanked fellow Peers who voted in support of amending clause 1 at Report Stage of the Bill.
A campaign group called Reform Clause 1 was formed to oppose the Bill, and was backed by The Christian Institute, the National Secular Society and other civil liberty organisations.