Republic: Council trying to ‘marginalise and silence’ republicans

Graham Smith, Republic’s executive officer, reacted to the news Camden Council would not allow their street party to go ahead:
“This is a disgraceful attack on the rights of republicans to make their voice heard and to hold a fun and peaceful event. Camden Council is allowing a few vocal residents and businesses to veto any event in central London they do not support.
“Our street party is designed to be a peaceful, fun, family event with food, music and stalls. The police, local businesses and the council’s own staff have been fully supportive of our plans. We can only assume this is a politically motivated ban and we will challenge it all the way.
“We are now taking legal advice to see if we can overturn this decision in the courts.
“We will also be taking this matter further with the council, we do not accept that this is a legitimate decision. Senior management moved the goal posts at the last minute and took the decision out of the hands of the officers usually tasked with authorising road closures.”
“We chose early on to hold a fun party rather than a protest, now Camden Council is seeking to silence and marginalise us without any legitimate reason. We will do all we can to ensure our event will go ahead and we will be challenging this decision.”