Why are we consulting on a PSPO?
This consultation is now closed
We believe that from the information that we gathered for the E-PSPO and the subsequent work to enforce the E-PSPO has demonstrated the case for consulting on a PSPO.
The investigation for the E-PSPO found that the activities that took place included protests and demonstrations against Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccinations at vaccination clinics; people attending to be vaccinated being approached by protestors and demonstrators causing them to feel harassed and intimidated; threats to staff members; use of graphic images which have resulted in at least one person changing their mind about having the vaccine; and staff members being accused of genocide. There have been multiple incidents of protestors sharing misinformation including shouting at females that they will become sterile, unable to have children, if they have the Covid-19 vaccination.
Evidence from enforcement of E-PSPO
On two separate occasions, we have had cause to use the enforcement powers of the E-PSPO. On both occasions, the protesters refused to provide their name, date of birth and address details on request from an authorised officer and this culminated in their arrests. Upon providing their details, requirements to leave the area were issued and complied with. We are also aware that one of the individuals who we took enforcement action against, was arrested for breach of Stockport’s E-PSPO – this led to a conviction and fine in court. This individual continues to attend the protests on Thursday afternoons. Despite the clinic not being in operation since February, the protesters have continued to protest in the same place every Thursday. Broadly speaking, they have complied with the prescribed exclusion area that we outlined for them when the E-PSPO was introduced. There have been two occasions when stickers have been placed on our signage or A-Board outside the clinic, however, there were no witnesses to this conduct. During the early stages of the E-PSPO, the protesters would frequently test the boundaries of the Order, and the clinic would need a permanent presence from GMP and Council Officers. This diminished over time, resulting in spot checks from Council Officers during the weekly protests.
A consultation undertaken about the introduction of the E-PSPO received 56 responses that detailed:
- The majority of respondents (96%) agreed that this kind of behaviour should be included in the E-PSPO.
- Only 4% (2 respondents) disagreed that this behaviour should be included.
- 77% of respondents suggested that impact of this type of behaviour was Major (a count of 43).
- Just 1 respondent felt like the behaviour was not an issue in Manchester.
When asked if this kind of behaviour had impacted the effectiveness of a Covid-19 vaccination service, 25% suggested they had been impeded, including
- "It has put off people from attending"
- "Misinformation is very pervasive and causes distrust of services"
Based on the work to introduce and implement the E-PSPO we are proposing to include these behaviours in a city-wide PSPO to prevent people:
- Intimidating and or harassing staff, volunteers and members of the public attending a clinic for a vaccination
- Interfering with or hindering the delivery of the vaccination services
- Hindering people’s access to the vaccination clinics
- Shouting or using amplified equipment to deliver messages against Covid-19 vaccinations
- Displaying or handing out any information or signage against the Covid-19 vaccinations
A copy of the Draft Order is available to read.