A PROTEST oragnised by Darlington Green Party outside the office of Darlington MP Peter Gibson last Wednesday was not without drama.

Carrying placards with the message 'Protest Is Not a Crime,' protesters delivered a letter calling for Mr Gibson to stand up for the fundamental democratic right to take part in peaceful protest, which they say will be removed by government’s Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill (the Policing Bill.)

The protest divided opinion on social media.

Read more: Protesters stage campaign outside Darlington MP Peter Gibson's office

Here’s what readers had to say.

Lorraine Trotter said: "I’m afraid Peter Gibson doesn't seem to have read the details of the new police act. Basically all you will be able to do on a protest (and there is plenty to protest about under this regime) is stand there and speak in a very quiet voice and if the coppers think you are too loud or disruptive they will shut you down."

Teresa Dinnage-Smurthwaite said: "Peaceful protests are fine. It's protests which stop traffic and people going about their business, do damage to property and cause disruption which should be stopped."

Read more: Why dozens of people staged a protest outside Darlington MP's office yesterday

Dub Bri said: "Without public protest and disobedience, women wouldn't have the vote, we wouldn't have employment laws protecting children/proper health and safety/holidays etc."

Carol Trotter said: "Protesting the right to protest. No one’s said anything about banning peaceful protests. I’m glad I don’t have time for this stuff due to working and just getting on with life. Mind numbing!"

Read more: What health chiefs say as new vaccine site opens in North East Covid hotspot

Ali Mann said: "I could not peacefully protest. When will Darlington people realise that you have been taken for fools."

Alice Potter-Conway said: "Talk about doublespeak! I’m all in favour of protest as long as no one chooses to do it…."

Lee Manghan said: "Get a job."

David Gill said: "Name one protest that ever amounted to anything that wasn't disruptive."

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