Masked Theresa May Campaigners Seen In London

Ahead of the second reading of the ‘Snoopers Charter’ on Tuesday, campaigners dressed as the Home Secretary Theresa May protest against the lack of transparency around the proposed bill

James Gourlay / Rex

Yesterday, 20 campaigners from Note My Vote in scary Theresa May masks appeared around Westminster in London in order to protest the speed in which the Home Secretary is pushing the controversial Investigatory Powers Bill (IP Bill) through the House of Commons.

James Gourley / Rex

The protest was organised by Note My Vote – a website aimed at encouraging greater public involvement in Westminster politics – because it believes that Theresa May is rushing the bill through Parliament in order to minimise public scrutiny. The public can currently vote on the IP Bill on the Note My Vote website and the results will be sent to MPs before they vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

James Gourley / Rex

The bill, dubbed the ‘Snoopers Charter’, has been heavily criticised by technology companies, academics and civil liberties groups, as it will provide police, not just spies, with the power to hack into computers and smart phones, as well as, have access to other online activity.

James Gourley / Rex

Speaking about the rushed bill, Mike Simpson, founder of Note My Vote said:

“With some people saying that Theresa May’s IP Bill is likely to see UK surveillance back to a time worse than that in George Orwell’s 1984, it’s clear that we need to ensure that it is properly debated. It is being rushed through the House of Commons in order to minimise both press and public scrutiny a tactic which will only serve to further the divide between the public and Parliament.

“We’ve chosen to highlight the Investigatory Powers Bill because we believe that the nation has a right to have their opinions on every issue debated in Parliament. Our site, / Rex allows constituents to influence their MP on each bill and hold them to account.”

James Gourley / Rex

Note My Vote provides the public with the opportunity to have a greater say on issues that may affect them. This is achieved by conducting polls on both legislative matters and breaking news items so the public can inform MPs about their views before they pass judgment in the House of Commons.

In addition to being forwarded to MPs, the results of these votes are published on the website and are sent to members via email, including how their MP finally voted in the House of Commons.

James Gourley / Rex

For more information and for free registration as a voting member on Note My Vote visit www.notemyvote.co.uk.