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Birmingham Attacks and Extinction Rebellion Protests
07 September 2020
Lead MP
Kit Malthouse
North West Hampshire
Con
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementEmploymentClimate
Other Contributors: 75
At a Glance
Kit Malthouse raised concerns about birmingham attacks and extinction rebellion protests 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:
Government Response
The Minister condemned the tactics of Extinction Rebellion, stating that their actions undermine free press and civic expression while urging them to work with the Government on climate change. He highlighted UK efforts in decarbonisation and reaffirmed the commitment to tackling violent crime. Responded to concerns by stating that lessons will be learned from the Birmingham attack, police forces have improved cooperation, intelligence around protests needs improvement, and peaceful protest rights must be protected while ensuring safety for those with different views. Defended the Government’s approach to violent crime, Extinction Rebellion protests, and climate change. Mentioned the recruitment of extra police officers and funding for violence reduction units. Reaffirmed commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and noted progress in reducing coal use. Discussed the importance of adequate housing in preventing crime. Acknowledged challenges faced by urban areas and mentioned funds provided for police surge funding, violence reduction units and more officers. Discussed drone technology as a potential replacement for police helicopters, addressed Dover protests, criticised PCC's comments on inevitability of crime, emphasised the importance of prevention and working together against crime. Emphasised the need to review conduct in society for classification purposes and stated that only those who commit criminal acts would be criminalised. Reiterated support for non-violent civil disobedience. Suffolk will receive an uplift of police officers over the next few years, helping to reduce knife crime. Additional police powers and recruitment efforts can deter criminals by increasing the likelihood of being caught. When I was at City Hall, we managed to drive down knife crime despite having fewer police resources compared to now. We aim to replicate this success across the country with support from all sides.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
The Minister stated the Government's stance on Extinction Rebellion protests and violent crime. He expressed shock over the Birmingham attacks and emphasised the government's commitment to tackling violent crime through increased police funding, surge funds for affected forces, and violence reduction units. He also condemned the tactics of Extinction Rebellion as undermining free press and civic expression, while reaffirming the right to peaceful protest. The Minister highlighted UK efforts in climate change mitigation and urged Extinction Rebellion to work with the Government instead of disrupting public life.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
Expressed condolences for victims in Birmingham, praised first responders and local police forces, raised concerns about rising violent crime across England and Wales, criticised the government's response to Extinction Rebellion protests, questioned adequacy of public order laws, emphasised importance of protecting peaceful protest rights.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Responded to concerns about Birmingham attack by stating that lessons will be learned from the incident and that police forces have improved cooperation, addressed questions on intelligence around Extinction Rebellion protests, assured protection of peaceful protest rights while also ensuring safety for those with different views.
Bob Stewart
16:48:00
Suggested releasing pressure on the police and courts by using fixed penalty notices instead of formal arrests for certain offences like blocking highways, seeking input from Minister on impact of such measures.
Kenny MacAskill
16:48:00
Agreed with concerns regarding violence in Birmingham but disagreed with equating Extinction Rebellion actions to violent crime, emphasised peaceful nature of protests and right to protest, called for treating violence as a public health issue rather than solely criminal justice.
Marco Longhi
Con
16:48:00
I, too, extend my condolences to the family of the person who died in the early hours of Sunday morning, and wish a speedy recovery to the others injured in the senseless knife attack in Birmingham. Will the Minister join me in condemning the suggestion by the West Midlands police and crime commissioner almost excusing the attack as resulting from pent-up frustrations from lockdown, and reinforce the message that violence of any kind is completely unacceptable and that those who break the law will face the full consequences of their actions? May I also invite the Minister to make an assessment of all the additional greenhouse gas emissions that arose from the demonstrations by Extinction Rebellion?
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
I find the remarks of the police and crime commissioner inexplicable. We are in a sorry place if we ever accept that the primary responsibility for a crime does not lie with the criminal. While individuals have complex backgrounds, in the end, the primary responsibility has to lie with the individual who commits the crime; that is the only basis on which we can proceed sensibly in this area. My hon. Friend is quite right. During the protests now and last year, I have often wondered what the carbon footprint is of the helicopter, which is fundamentally required in a public order situation, or the miles and miles of stationary traffic pumping emissions into what is an already difficult situation from an emissions point of view.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
I join both Front-Bench spokespeople in sending a strong message from this House about the importance of a free press in our democracy. Stopping newspapers being distributed in this way was completely wrong. The Minister obviously needs to work with police and crime commissioners. I know that he will not want to misrepresent them in any way. We should all across this House send our sympathies to the families of those affected by not only the awful attack in Birmingham but the shocking shooting in Suffolk. Can he tell me what the Home Office is doing to monitor reports of violent crimes being downgraded, to be treated with community resolutions and out-of-court settlements instead, as a result of long court delays during the covid crisis? The Minister will know that there is serious concern about the rise in violent crime.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
I am more than happy to try to provide the information that the Chairwoman of the Select Committee requested. I am not aware of that particular phenomenon, but I will certainly make inquiries. She is right that the pandemic has caused issues in the criminal justice system. The courts recovery plan being published today shows good progress in the magistrates court and more work to do in the Crown court.
Julie Marson
Con
16:48:00
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the first responders who had to deal with the attack in Birmingham and those elsewhere in the country, and I also pay tribute to my local police force in Hertfordshire, which had to deal with the attempt to shut down our free press over the weekend. My hon. Friend is a champion of the police, and as the daughter of a police officer, so am I. Will he confirm that he is committed to ensuring that they have the powers, as well as the resources, to deal with the disruption caused by groups such as Extinction Rebellion?
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
I welcome my hon. Friend’s unequivocal support for the police, and she is quite right that Hertfordshire police did a good job outside the printworks in freeing up that fundamental liberty. We perhaps sometimes take for granted the fact that a newspaper giving us information from across the world will drop reliably on to our doormat. It would be treasured across the world to have such a vigorous and efficient press as we do.
Peter Dowd
Lab
Bootle
I understand that some of my constituents were victims of the brutal attack in Birmingham on Sunday, so above all I want to join in passing on my condolences to the family of the young person killed in that attack. I cannot possibly imagine the distress, grief and disbelief they are feeling; they must be inconsolable and bereft. I also want to say to the families of the seven other people attacked, some very seriously, that I hope their loved ones will make the fullest recovery, both physically and psychologically.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s remarks. He is right: all killings are senseless, but there is something particularly tragic about people being killed and injured who had gone into a city centre to have fun—to enjoy the night-time economy post-lockdown, never expecting to encounter this kind of awful tragedy. So I join him in extending our sympathies, and I know that West Midlands police has deployed significant family liaison resources to support families both from the city and who were visiting from outside.
Selaine Saxby
Con
16:48:00
Extinction Rebellion’s actions on Friday night were an attack on our society, our way of life and our freedoms. Having had to listen to all the commotion and speeches from my office during Extinction Rebellion’s protests last week in Parliament Square, it is clear that the group is intent on disrupting society rather than working together with this Government and their strong green agenda to tackle climate change. Will my hon. Friend ensure that activists who pursue these guerrilla tactics will feel the full force of the law for their actions?
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
My hon. Friend can be reassured that where a crime is committed, whether by a protestor or otherwise, it should and will be investigated and charges brought.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
I disagree with XR’s strategy of targeting the press, but there is an irony in a Government who are renowned for avoiding the scrutiny of the mainstream media and happy to undermine the impartiality of the BBC and welcome Fox News to these shores now posing as the protector of free speech in order to suggest they may change legislation to criminalise peaceful disobedience by Extinction Rebellion. Is the Minister not ashamed to bracket in this statement peaceful protesters with murderers on the rampage, and will he, for the record, unequivocally acknowledge that the XR protesters were peaceful?
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
I am happy to acknowledge that the XR protesters were peaceful, although crimes were obviously committed in the process of that peaceful demonstration. On the issue of free speech, the hon. Gentleman gave himself away slightly by deprecating those on this side of the House for welcoming Fox News ‘to these shores’; he obviously believes in free speech as long as people agree with him.
Chris Loder
Con
16:48:00
It is less than three months since I stood in this Chamber the last time after similar tragic events in Reading, and I am greatly concerned that these attacks continue and would like the Minister to outline what decisive action the Government are taking to stop these horrific attacks continuing. On Extinction Rebellion, I am afraid its disruptive, costly and often illegal protest risks severely undermining the important debate on climate change and our environment; blocking roads into hospitals and the like is just not the way to do it.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Acknowledged concerns about violent crime and announced the Prime Minister's criminal justice taskforce, which will meet monthly to address crimes including violent ones. Emphasised recruitment of 20,000 extra police officers over three years, with approximately 9,500 already recruited since 2018 compared to 2010 figures. Mentioned putting money into violence reduction units and surge funding for affected forces.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Welcomed the Minister's robust defence of press freedom, questioned the exclusion of media outlets from Government briefings in February, and asked if the Minister would appear on 'Good Morning Britain' soon.
Asked about holding Extinction Rebellion accountable for significant public sector costs and lost business income due to their disruptive protests.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Expressed thanks for the Minister's kind words about Birmingham, acknowledged the efforts of the city’s police force and ambulance service. Asked for a guarantee that the uplift in police numbers will be fully funded for the next two years.
Described Extinction Rebellion’s attack as an assault on society's fundamental freedoms, asked if activists using illegal guerrilla tactics should face full legal consequences immediately.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Discussed a family member of a victim from the Birmingham knife attacks. Asked about preventive work against knife crime and addressing under-provision of mental health services.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Spoke of constituents' concerns about climate change and supported a balanced approach, urged the Minister to identify and bring to justice those undermining institutions from XR’s leadership.
Asked if the Government had failed peaceful protesters with inaction and lack of ambition, suggested adopting Scottish Government expertise for climate change action.
Called for reason, vigour, and practicality in tackling environmental issues rather than alarmism and revolution.
Asked if free speech and press access would be supported when protest tips into criminality and police action is required.
Steve McCabe
Birmingham Ladywood
Offered thanks to the police and emergency services for dealing with an incident in Birmingham. Suggested that if the suspect was a resident of housing in multiple occupation, it raises safety concerns about this type of accommodation.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Emphasised the importance of adequate and high-quality housing to prevent people from becoming offenders or reoffending. Stated he would have meetings with colleagues at MHCLG to discuss their role in fighting crime. Criticised Extinction Rebellion’s actions as counterproductive for climate change advocacy.
Called on his hon. Friend to condemn Extinction Rebellion's assault on the free press, arguing that such attacks are harmful to environmental causes.
Heather Wheeler
South Derbyshire
Agreed with her hon. Friend’s statement about no one being above the law and called for illegal activities of Extinction Rebellion to face full legal consequences.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Birmingham Ladywood
Expressed concern over rising levels of knife crime in Birmingham, demanding further urgent steps from the Minister to tackle this issue and questioned whether urban police forces like West Midlands Police are adequately funded.
Expressed solidarity with Birmingham and emphasised that peaceful protest is important but does not extend to preventing lawful business, asking for confirmation on police powers.
Asked the Minister to reassure him about equal treatment and sanctions irrespective of the cause of protests, highlighting the importance of equality before the law.
John Spellar
Warley
Critiqued the former Home Secretary’s approach to police funding cuts which he claims have led to surging crime. Demanded that the Minister commit to providing necessary funding for policing beyond mere pledges.
Asked when the Government would bring forward a vote on the climate and ecological emergency Bill, questioning whether the Minister’s commitment is genuine or political.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Suggested that fines for those breaking coronavirus regulations should be applied equally regardless of the cause being protested, referencing a specific £10,000 fine as an example.
Challenged the Minister’s statements on Extinction Rebellion protests, suggesting they draw attention to the climate emergency and questioning if confidence in government steps towards tackling it is lacking.
Asked for assurance that police helicopters will only be used when absolutely necessary, noting their disruption to residents during monitoring of protests.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
As a former London Assembly member and long-time resident of Pimlico, I understand the disruption caused by police helicopters. However, I hope that drone technology will eventually replace noisy and polluting aircraft for public safety operations.
Brighton Kemptown
Five white billionaire men control most of the UK's press, which undermines freedom of speech. Protests are disruptive but essential; XR was singled out unfairly compared to far-right protesters in Dover who caused harm.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Paid tribute to emergency services following recent attacks, questioned the police and crime commissioner's comments regarding inevitability of crime due to economic conditions, urged for a more proactive stance against criminal activity.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Emphasised that peaceful protest rights do not extend to illegal activities. Highlighted the need for consequences when protests turn violent or disrupt businesses and communities.
Shaun Bailey
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill
Echoed support for West Midlands police, criticised the PCC's 'inevitability' stance on crime due to station closures. Demanded assurances from the government regarding local policing resources and security.
Pontypridd
Expressed concern over a decade of Conservative cuts to police services, questioned Home Office's steps in preventing further violent crimes due to Coronavirus pressures.
Thanked Chief Superintendent Steve Graham and his team for their bravery during the recent incident in Birmingham. Criticised the PCC's comments that excused the murderer before arrest.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Stressed the importance of rights and responsibilities coexisting, questioned whether existing police laws are sufficient or if more resources are needed for enforcement.
Expressed concern about knife crime beyond urban areas, citing a local incident in her constituency, advocated for tougher action against knife carriers and understanding of underlying reasons.
Asked if the Minister understood genuine concerns regarding plans to criminalise Extinction Rebellion and its impact on peaceful protest rights.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Stressed the importance of reviewing conduct in society and the need for classification based on criminal activities. Emphasised that Extinction Rebellion's future depends on its members' decision about extreme tactics.
Expressed concern over justice being served for victims of recent crimes in Birmingham, emphasising the importance of the full weight of the law against perpetrators.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Highlighted the historical significance of direct action and questioned whether classifying Extinction Rebellion as a criminal gang would be a betrayal to civil liberties.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Argued that Extinction Rebellion is now public nuisance number one due to the disruption caused, suggesting it should be classified as a crime group and dealt with under law.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Questioned whether there were adequate enforcement powers for preventing newspaper presses from being blockaded by protesters, expressing uncertainty about the Government's stance.
Asserted that Extinction Rebellion’s actions undermine the good cause of environmental protection and questioned if it was necessary to root out extremists, be they far left or eco-extremists.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Stated that designating Extinction Rebellion as an organised crime group is a step too far and asked about potential consequences for individuals who follow the protests.
Asked if the police had sufficient resources to enforce laws against protesters trying to disrupt newspaper printing and delivery. The Minister reassured that significant assets were deployed.
Suggested that bringing forward emergency legislation to mitigate climate crime could be a better approach than criminalising peaceful environmental protectors.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Paid tribute to Thames Valley police for their work and expressed support for the idea of restoring law and order with a crackdown starting on Extinction Rebellion.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Called for emergency legislation to mitigate climate crime rather than criminalising peaceful environmental protectors, highlighting global issues like burning, flooding, and melting of the planet.
Questioned whether branding Extinction Rebellion as criminals was appropriate, given that non-violent civil disobedience is a common practice tool used by protest groups throughout history.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Suffolk will receive an uplift of police officers over the next few years, helping to reduce knife crime. Additional police powers and recruitment efforts can deter criminals by increasing the likelihood of being caught. When I was at City Hall, we managed to drive down knife crime despite having fewer police resources compared to now. We aim to replicate this success across the country with support from all sides.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Offers condolences for recent knife crime incidents in Birmingham and questions the Minister about lessons being learned. Expresses concern over police job losses and their impact on preventing future tragedies, asking how assurances can be given to communities.
Asks the Minister how many more illegal roadblocks caused by protests need to occur before arrests are made to stop them.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Highlights the importance of preventive work alongside policing, noting significant cuts to youth services since 2010. Asks what discussions the Minister is having with colleagues about reversing these cuts.
Expresses frustration towards Extinction Rebellion's methods and asks how they can communicate to XR that their tactics are counterproductive.
Raises concerns about anti-migrant protests in Dover, asking for a Home Office statement on condemnation of the actions taken.
Mark Pawsey
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Offers condolences and questions whether the police response to recent incidents in Birmingham was sufficient in terms of apprehending perpetrators promptly.
Argues that although Extinction Rebellion’s tactics may be controversial, their methods should not be labelled as criminal. Questions if it's fair to brand XR activists as criminals when civil disobedience has historical precedent.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Suggests looking at a legislative route to reclaim policing costs from individuals and campaign groups whose protests turn to criminality.
Thanks the Minister for increased resources in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, condemns recent violent protests, and asks for stronger measures against illegal gatherings.
Rob Butler
Con
Pudsey
Expresses concern about Extinction Rebellion's attempts to quash the free press and highlights their attacks on journalists. Asks if the Government will take steps to neutralise XR’s disruptive tactics.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Lab
Middlesbrough Sedgefield
Critiques Extinction Rebellion for adopting radical measures that undermine British values and questions whether XR's actions should be seen as part of a Marxist agenda. Asks what steps the Government will take to address XR’s disruptive tactics.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby
Compares Extinction Rebellion’s methods with those of climate activists from his constituency who are polite and engaging, questioning whether XR's actions align with democratic values. Advocates for a peaceful approach to influencing political change.
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