A peaceful vigil is set to be held in Marlow this evening - in memory of Sarah Everard and in protest against the government's Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill. 

The "traumatised" Marlow residents are set to gather this evening in the town, saying they feel "let down" by the government. 

They are planning to light a candle in memory of Sarah Everard and "all women subject to the misogynistic system" and also make their feelings known on the controversial Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which passed its second reading last night. 

They said it is about to "undermine our basic democratic freedom for non-violent protest", adding: "After a year of hardship, affected by the Covid19 pandemic and the escalation of the climate crisis, we feel let down by our government and those who are supposed to protect us and our rights."

Advertising the event on Facebook, organisers urged anyone who attends to stay safe, follow all Covid guidelines and "only come if you believe this is essential". 

Organisers told the Bucks Free Press the protest is to "express our rage against a police state where those most subjected to crime, discrimination, harm and injustice are no longer allowed to speak up for their rights". 

They said: "The government has rushed through legislation to criminalise all protest. Any action that's likely to cause 'unease', 'inconvenience' or 'serious annoyance' can be deemed illegal.

"The new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will effectively make all protest illegal in the UK. 

"This is an outright ware on democracy and freedom of speech."