Camden Council have overturned a decision to allow a republican street party entitled ‘Not the royal wedding’ street party in Earlham Street, Covent Garden. From my understanding, there was no objections from the local police or community; it faced zero opposition.
By refusing to temporary close off Earlham Street it means the event cannot go ahead. Effectively banned and silenced.
However, freedom of expression and speech is not welcomed by Camden Council; nor opposing the Monarchy, either. Honestly, is the decision to refuse to close the street off for a republican wedding party a purely political decision?
Republic’s Graham Smith released the following press statement on the news, promising to appeal against the decision and vowing to continue with plans for the street party:
“Our street party is designed to be a peaceful, fun, family event with
food, music and stalls. The police, local businesses and the council’s own
staff have been fully supportive of our plans. We can only assume this is a
politically motivated ban and we will challenge it all the way.“
“In an earlier email the council said any party should seek to ‘draw the
community together in an act of celebration/oneness’ and that ‘it is very
likely that this event is not, or would not be, supported by the majority
of the community’. Camden Council is essentially saying that, as a
political minority, republicans have no right to be heard.“
“We are now taking legal advice to see if we can overturn this decision in
the courts.“
danielfurr
