CAMPAIGNERS held a peaceful demonstration in York city centre against Government plans to change how people can protest.

They observed social distancing amid the crowds of shoppers, sightseers and others who flocked to the city centre on Saturday.

It was one of many held across the country under the general banner Kill the Bill against the Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill currently going through Parliament.

A spokesperson for Kill the Bill York said: “It was really good to see people out in York. We had some really good speakers.

“There was really high energy and it was very inspiring to see so many people out to protest for their rights.”

The protest included people from different local campaign organisations and groups and focussed on environment issues.

It was planned before the date of Prince Philip’s funeral was announced and organisers decided that was not a reason to change the date.

“People were already committed,” said the spokesperson.

“As sad as it is that Prince Philip has passed away, it doesn’t mean it can distract us from the rights of people who are currently living in the UK.”

The protest started shortly after 1pm and finished before the national silence at 3pm.

Organisers said about 100 people assembled in St Helen’s Square with banners and wearing face masks.

They listened to speakers from Stop HS2 campaign, Extinction Rebellion, anti-frackers and other environmental campaigners about the importance of environmental protest.

During the demonstration, shoppers walked through the square, some taking no notice at all, others pausing to listen or watch.

The protesters fear the Government plans to ban peaceful protest.

They warned that if peaceful protest is not allowed then campaigners will have to use other means to make their voices heard.

The Government says it is only aiming to ban disruptive protests.

The demo was one in a series of protests that started earlier this month.

Another one is planned for May 1.