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Public Order
15 June 2020
Lead MP
Priti Patel
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Local Government
Other Contributors: 58
At a Glance
Priti Patel raised concerns about public order in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, expressed deep concern over the violent scenes during recent protests in London and other parts of the country. She reported that more than 210,000 people attended demonstrations since George Floyd's death, with at least 160 protests occurring this weekend, most passing peacefully but counter-protests causing violence. At least 100 police officers have been injured, three horses and one dog affected, and 280 arrests made for offences such as assaults on officers and violent disorder. She condemned the actions of far-right thugs who attacked police and desecrated memorials, including one dedicated to PC Keith Palmer, a police officer killed during an attack at Westminster. The Home Secretary vowed continued support for the police in maintaining law and order against those threatening people's safety.
Torfaen
The Labour MP, Nick Thomas-Symonds, condemned the violence during recent protests, expressing his gratitude for the bravery of police officers. He noted that while the law around war memorials needs scrutiny to ensure it addresses community hurt rather than financial repair, he urged the Prime Minister to implement existing reviews and recommendations to address racial inequality, such as those from the Lammy review since 2017, and to act swiftly on the Windrush compensation scheme.
Nickie Aiken
16:45:00
Asked for recognition of frontline police officers who were disrupted by protests over the weekend. Requested commitment to bring criminals responsible for violence and criminal damage to justice.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Responded to Nickie Aiken, thanked her for her question, acknowledged the bravery of police officers during protests, committed to supporting police efforts to bring criminals to justice using evidence from bodycam and CCTV footage.
Defended free speech but condemned violence and racist behaviour seen at protests. Emphasised the need for action on inequalities faced by black and minority ethnic communities, highlighted delays in implementing recommendations from previous reviews.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Reaffirmed commitment to addressing social justice issues through a new cross-Government commission. Stated there was no delay in implementing the Windrush review and committed to reporting back on its findings before summer recess.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Asked for support against those seeking to divide public order through violence, emphasised unity against racism and vandalism. Called for individuals involved in violent acts to face the full force of the law.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Agreed with Kieran Mullan's sentiment, acknowledged the importance of coming together as a nation to address social issues. Praised police for their work in maintaining public order during protests.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Joined tributes to police force and officers, raised concerns about involvement of far-right extremist groups in recent violent incidents. Asked if the Home Secretary had set up a taskforce on countering hateful extremism as recommended by an independent adviser.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Acknowledged the involvement of far-right extremists and their abhorrent behaviour during protests. Confirmed work is ongoing to address this issue within the Department and offered to provide detailed information in writing.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Echoes tributes to the police and expresses concern about a lack of details in the Prime Minister's announced review. Calls for addressing inequalities felt by BAME communities immediately, warning against reviews that do not result in action.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Emphasises the establishment of a commission to address current societal inequalities and root causes of issues such as lack of access to social justice. Reiterates that this is about ending gross disservices to communities and addressing sensitive issues accurately.
Imran Ahmad Khan
unknown constituency
Urges the Home Secretary to call out racist abuse from all sides, noting recent attacks on Conservative colleagues by violent extremists. Calls for condemnation of such actions by the Leader of the Opposition and equal application of the law.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Reiterates the need to condemn racist behaviour, criticising the Labour Party's stance on this issue. Rejects a letter from Labour without response.
Jane Stevenson
unknown constituency
Requests that anyone who attacks police officers or service animals faces full legal action under Finn’s law.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Supports full legal action against attackers and highlights the impact of assaults on police, promising future legislation to protect police rights.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Questions how trust can be regained in the Home Office to address racism after the Windrush scandal. Criticises lack of compensation for victims.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Acknowledges past failures and personal commitment to addressing them, promising individualised compensation cases and future reviews.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Welcomes the Home Secretary's robust approach to protests during a public health emergency. Requests continued cooperation with local authorities to deter such gatherings.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Acknowledges efforts by local leaders and agencies to communicate the risks of mass gatherings, expressing gratitude for collaborative work.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Expresses concern about another review in light of previous studies on racial disparities. Questions why action isn't being taken instead of further reviews.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Responds to criticism by reiterating the importance of addressing societal inequalities through responsible and reasonable means, expressing regret over opposition to this approach.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Strongly welcomes legislation to protect war memorials. Calls for support for police officers in dealing with violent and disruptive individuals during protests.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Fully supports the call for protecting police officers and bringing perpetrators of violence to justice, reiterating commitment to accelerating work on police covenant.
Kate Green
unknown constituency
Asks about the Home Secretary’s confidence in the police's ability to prevent illegal events like raves and ensure that those organising such events face justice.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Paid tribute to the police force's efforts during the pandemic, acknowledged intelligence operations for monitoring illegal gatherings and public disorder. Emphasised constant communication with police to ensure they are protected, prepared, resourced, and equipped.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Expressed concern about the risks associated with attending large public gatherings during a pandemic. Highlighted that such actions put lives at risk, especially those from the BAME community.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Reiterated the importance of adhering to social distancing measures and reinforced the illegality of mass gatherings. Stressed the strain on police resources due to such events.
Condemned violent actions during protests but questioned whether a new cross-departmental review would yield meaningful outcomes or be merely a populist exercise.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Responded to the criticism by emphasising that the purpose of the review is to drive actions and address legitimate issues raised in Parliament. Condemned the tone of the question.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Praised Patrick Hutchinson for rescuing a white demonstrator from the riot, emphasised the need to focus on current behavior towards the black community rather than imposing modern values on historical figures.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Acknowledged Julian Lewis's point and praised Patrick Hutchinson for his actions. Emphasised learning from history to secure a better future.
Thanked the neighbourhood policing teams in Staffordshire for adhering to social distancing guidelines at recent protests. Asked about additional support provided to police during the pandemic.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Complimented Kate Griffiths's team and mentioned the Government’s commitment to increasing the number of police officers, with 90 more being added to Staffordshire's force. Discussed financial support for policing during the pandemic.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Expressed disappointment in Home Secretary’s clarity on updating Parliament about the Wendy Williams review into the Windrush scandal. Asked about measures to tackle far-right activity online and offline.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Discussed casework for Windrush compensation schemes, noting their complexity. Mentioned ongoing work across Government departments to address racism and intolerance in the UK.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Supported Home Secretary’s comments on peaceful protests and police efforts. Questioned how she responds to accusations of gaslighting when sharing personal experiences of racism.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Rejected accusations as pathetic and emphasised the need for unity against real inequalities in society, dismissing attempts at point-scoring or insensitive behavior.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Asked about discussions with police forces regarding enforceability of rules prohibiting gatherings of more than six people since 1 June. Inquired about the number of fines issued for breaking these rules.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Acknowledged daily communication with police leadership, willing to provide figures on fixed penalty notices upon request from the MP.
Thanked Kensington police for their sensitive policing during recent weeks. Questioned Home Secretary's opinion on Mayor of London closing Notting Hill police station counter, suggesting reconsideration with more money into policing.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Acknowledged the respectful policing in Felicity Buchan’s constituency. Suggested that next year's election offers an opportunity for a Conservative candidate to prioritise law and order and support the police in London.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
One hundred police officers were injured recently, an unacceptable situation. I urge the Home Secretary to consider reviewing section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to empower police in checking violent protesters' identities and addresses, preventing them from exploiting legal loopholes.
Marion Fellows
Lab
Nottingham East
The Prime Minister's announcement of yet another review suggests a lack of swift action against racism. People want to see immediate steps taken rather than further deliberation.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
My constituents have been following public health guidelines but are angered by the recent gatherings in London. I join them in demanding that the Mayor of London takes action; if he does not, the Home Secretary should step in.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
This Government has failed to implement recommendations from previous reviews on racial issues and hid some reports. The public cannot have confidence in the Prime Minister's new cross-governmental commission given this track record.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Gillingham and Rainham
The far-right is indeed a growing terror threat in our country, necessitating specific steps to challenge it. The Home Secretary agrees with the assessment of the Metropolitan police anti-terror unit.
Brighton Kemptown
While appreciating the Home Secretary's stance, I emphasise that protecting war memorials should include culturally sensitive discussions and community payback programmes. The far-right extremists are organised and dangerous, requiring international cooperation to disrupt their communications and ideology.
Robert Halfon
Con
Harlow
The removal of statues like that of the Scout movement founder would damage its reputation and could threaten public order. If any statue is to be moved, it should involve democratic consent through proper national and local conversations.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
Bolton South East
While appreciating the Home Secretary's characterization of racist demonstrators, I am still unclear why recommendations from previous reviews cannot be immediately implemented. The commission should not just review but act upon existing work.
Mark Fletcher
Con
Mansfield
The recent scenes in London do not represent the best of Britain; those who follow laws and support our police are the true representation of British values and society.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Called out the Home Secretary to fund and enforce a new promotion of the countryside code in Cumbria, highlighting incidents where officers were spat at on multiple occasions.
Shared alarm at far-right actions this weekend and questioned tactical decisions made by police not to uphold the law during the preceding days and weeks.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Highlighted a doubling of violence against shop workers due to the coronavirus and called for urgent action on the Government’s call for evidence that has been delayed.
Asked whether criminal damage and mob rule should be used to enact change or if it should rather happen through democratic channels.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Questioned the Government's decision to hide recommendations from Public Health England’s review on BAME communities' disproportionate impact due to coronavirus.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Asked for commitment to bring those responsible for assaulting police officers this weekend to justice and sought assurance of government support for the police.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Commended the Home Secretary's condemnation of recent violence but raised concerns about local businesses' safety and asked if additional resources could be provided to help them.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Emphasised the need for a lead from the Home Secretary to address inequality and unfairness that has led to recent conflicts, advocating for closer community collaboration.
Government Response
Provides detailed responses addressing concerns over racial inequalities, support for police officers, handling of mass gatherings, and calls for action against violent incidents. Emphasises the importance of addressing societal inequalities through accurate and responsible means. We have the necessary processes in place for policing violent protesters, ensuring they face justice. The Prime Minister's review aims to address racism holistically and build on previous work while engaging impacted communities. We are vigilant against far-right extremism and international cooperation is ongoing. Stressed the importance of law-abiding citizens who respect rules, emphasised operational independence of police and called for support from local authorities in reinforcing messages. Addressed issues concerning shop workers' safety and business reopening. Acknowledged concerns regarding resources provided to local policing bodies like West Yorkshire Police and Metropolitan Police.
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