A PEACEFUL vigil was held in Marlow on Wednesday evening - in memory of Sarah Everard and in protest against the government’s Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill.

Around 20 Marlovians turned up for the gathering outside Marlow Police Station at 5pm on Wednesday, March 17, saying they felt “let down” by the government.

They lit a candle in memory of Sarah Everard and “all women subject to the misogynistic system” and also made their feelings known on the controversial Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which passed its second reading on Tuesday 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 Covid-19 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.”

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.”

Women also stepped forward to talk about their experiences of feeling unsafe or being subject to harassment from men.

Local mother Katy K posted on social media: “In the wake of recent UK news we undertook a socially distanced vigil outside our local police station.

“The police were warm and welcoming, the atmosphere touching, and as my daughter drew pictures on the patio in front of the station with chalks, I took a deep breath and prayed for our future, and gave thanks for community.”

Protesters also handed out leaflets and put up placards raising awareness on the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill - being debated in Parliament, introducing 311 pages of change in law.

According to the new bill public nuisance would be introduced as a new offence based on the view that protesters cause harm.

Local protester Dora H added: “The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill an act of draconian power, while the government is not facing up to the real crisis globally and locally.”

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