Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Climate Protests in Cambridge: Police Response

03 March 2020 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Anthony Browne Con South Cambridgeshire

Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Anthony Browne raised concerns about climate protests in cambridge: police response in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Browne raised concerns over police inaction during climate protests in Cambridge, citing specific incidents of vandalism and road blockades.
  • Mr Philp acknowledged the concerns and emphasized that while peaceful protests are respected, criminal behaviour will be prosecuted.
  • The Minister noted ongoing work to understand how existing public order legislation can be more effectively implemented.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Anthony Browne Con South Cambridgeshire

Mr Browne raised concerns over police response to climate protests in Cambridge, arguing that the police failed to uphold the law during a week-long blockade and acts of vandalism. He cited examples of road blockades under section 137 of the Highways Act and vandalism at Trinity College and Barclays bank, where Cambridgeshire Police did not intervene despite being present. Public anger was widespread due to perceived inaction by police who were guided by the College of Policing's advice on human rights law, leading Browne to question this guidance. He advocated for clearer legal grounds for police action under existing legislation and called for a review to prevent similar incidents elsewhere.

Other contributors (3)
  • Tom Hunt Lab Ipswich

    Asked if the role of the College of Policing, which advised that blocking public highways was not unlawful, should be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice and Home Office due to its impact on skewed police priorities.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Suggested calm heads and cool words are needed when dealing with passionate young protesters, emphasising that this is the first line of defence.

  • Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge

    Acknowledged outrage over vandalism but questioned whether it was a dilemma for police to face due to potential escalation if they arrested protestors.

Government Response

Chris Philp

Mr Philp acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs and assured that the Government respects the right to peaceful protest but emphasised there is no excuse for criminal behaviour. He highlighted recent arrests made in Cambridge following protests, indicating that police are expected to act when they witness a crime. The Minister also noted ongoing work to understand how existing public order legislation can be more effectively implemented if needed. He agreed to write to the hon. Member for Ipswich regarding the role of the College of Policing.

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