Protests sparked by Sarah Everard killing refocus on controversial bill to give police more powers

London — British lawmakers were scheduled to vote on a controversial new policing bill Tuesday evening that critics say would curtail the public's right to protest. The "Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill" has become the focal point of demonstrations in London after officers used heavy-handed methods to break up a vigil for Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old woman who was killed last week while walking home at night.  

The man accused of killing Everard is a serving police officer. "It's our last opportunity, potentially, to voice our opinions with freedom of speech," said 19-year-old Haley, who came out on Monday night to protest against misogyny and violence against women.