AN ALLIANCE of groups and individuals were today meeting to protest in Dorchester against a policing Bill currently going through Parliament.

Groups joining the protest include Stand Up to Racism Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Action on Wages, BLM Swanage, Extinction Rebellion Bridport and Extinction Rebellion Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland .

The protest is taking place on a second national day of action. It comes following a demonstration in Weymouth two weeks ago, which was attended by more than 200 people. The protest was starting at 11am on South Street in Dorchester.

Organisers have said that the protest will be peaceful and Covid-compliant, with people attending asked to socially distance and wear masks.

A spokesman for Extinction Rebellion Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland said: "Allowing the police to impose 'conditions', restrictions or outright bans on protests is un-democratic. Protests are designed to attract attention to a cause or issue and the most effective way to do that is by being as noisy and visible as possible."