Standpoints

Anthony Barnett

‘A Problem With Liberal Democracy Is That, Though It Prides Itself on Tolerance and Honesty, It Colludes With Intolerance and Lies’

The Cost of Freedom

I’m really pleased that, after years of persistent effort, Josie Appleton, director of the Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life, has finally got serious mainstream media coverage. She fights valiantly against what seem like minor injustices.

Although each may appear arbitrary and trivial, their existence is systematic and appalling. The Financial Times has now backed up her work with supporting investigation and analysis.

‘Public Spaces Protection Orders’ allow councils to ban anything they please in public spaces. “Councils currently have 2,003 active PSPOs restricting activities including busking, begging, loitering, rough sleeping, charity collection, standing in groups, and ball games,” the campaign states.

Try being a busker, singing in a space that harms no one. The fine is a fixed penalty. You can’t appeal and non-payment is a crime.