New anti-protest bill raises profound concern and alarm, human rights groups say

Exclusive: draconian' 307-page police, crime and sentencing bill is being rushed through, charities, unions and faith communities say

More than 150 organisations have warned ministers that a new law handing police tougher powers to crack down on protesters would be an attack on some of the most fundamental rights of citizens" as Labour vowed to oppose it and officers' handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard continued to draw criticism.

The groups, including human rights charities, unions and faith communities, said on Sunday the wide-ranging legislation would have a hugely detrimental effect on civil liberties, and called for the government to fundamentally rethink its approach".