Patel faces widening revolt over policing bill’s restrictions on protest

More than 350 groups join peers in challenging home secretary over attack on democratic rights' as legislation enters Lords

The home secretary, Priti Patel, is facing a growing revolt in parliament and the country over plans to restrict the fundamental right to protest, as controversial legislation that would increase police powers enters the House of Lords this week.

More than 350 organisations, including human rights groups, charities and faith bodies, have written to Patel and justice secretary Robert Buckland this weekend complaining that the measures would have a profound impact" on freedom of expression, and represent an attack on some of the most basic democratic rights of citizens".