The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has responded positively today to Nick Clegg’s announcement that the public will be consulted on laws, regulations and infringements to civil liberties.

Ben Kernighan, deputy chief executive of NCVO, said: “NCVO warmly welcomes the fact that the coalition government is looking to engage the public in improving civil liberties and reducing inappropriate regulations. We would also urge our members to contribute their ideas to the consultation website.

“This consultation also offers a welcome opportunity for the public to have their say on disproportionate restrictions on protest and demonstrations, particularly the laws which restrict campaigning and freedom of assembly in Parliament Square and those that allow counter-terrorism powers to be used to limit peaceful protest."

Clegg has asked the public to put forward laws and regulations they would like to see abolished.

The deputy prime minister launched a Your Freedom website, on which the public will be able to propose ways to reduce bureaucracy.

In a speech he promised "raucous, unscripted debates", which will "throw up the best ideas".

The best suggestions, Clegg noted, would be taken into account when the Freedom Bill is published in the autumn.

Kernighan added: "Charities and voluntary and community organisations can play a significant role in strengthening democracy by inspiring people to get involved in causes they care about, therefore their right to campaign within the law must be respected and encouraged.”

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