Policing of Protests 2024-10-21

2024-10-21

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Context
The question addresses concerns about the number of powers to restrict protest, leading to peaceful protesters being arrested. It references previous government laws pushed through despite opposition from senior policing figures.
If she will commission an independent review into the adequacy of legislation on the policing of protests. The right to protest and the courage of people demanding change have given us many social advancements but powers restricting protest are resulting in peaceful protesters being arrested and sentenced to lengthy periods in prison. When will a comprehensive review take place, with a view to repealing unnecessary restrictions?
Like my hon. Friend, the Government value peaceful protest as part of our proud democratic tradition and regularly review the adequacy of existing legislation. The previous government's passed laws will undergo post-legislative scrutiny in due course.
Assessment & feedback
Commissioning an independent review into the adequacy of legislation on policing protests
Like My Hon. Friend Regularly Review
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Context
Concerns raised about the Metropolitan police officers saying that describing Hezbollah as a terror group is opinion, leading to offenders identified by photos on social media only.
The right to protest and courage in demanding change have given us many social advancements. However, recent footage shows Metropolitan police officers stating that labeling Hezbollah as a terror group is a matter of 'opinion' at a march where support for Hezbollah was displayed openly. Will the Minister ensure all officers are briefed on proscribed statuses so offenders can be arrested on the spot?
We are clear that Hezbollah is a proscribed organisation, and police take care in briefing officers before protests. The way protests are policed is operationally independent, but we commend the work of frontline officers dealing with many protests over the last year.
Assessment & feedback
Ensuring all officers are briefed on proscribed statuses so offenders can be arrested on the spot
Operationally Independent Deal With
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Richard Holden Con
Basildon and Billericay
Context
Southwark police officers reported struggling to prevent or solve crime due to extraction duties for policing repeat protests elsewhere.
Metropolitan police officers said they struggle with crime prevention and solving due to extraction duties for policing repeat protests elsewhere in London. Does the Minister believe new powers are needed for the Met to refuse permission for repetitive protests, or should it use existing powers better to resolve extraction issues?
Police numbers are an issue, and this Government recruit more neighbourhood police officers for increased presence. I recognize the issue with extraction duties for dealing with protests. Clearly, we want all criminals dealt with by the police, and sufficient numbers of police officers to do that.
Assessment & feedback
Belief on new powers or better use of existing ones
Police Numbers Are An Issue Sufficient Numbers Of Police Officers
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Neil Coyle Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Context
Southwark police reported struggling to prevent or solve crime due to extraction duties for policing repeat protests elsewhere.
Southwark police officers reported struggling with crime prevention and solving due to extraction duties for policing repeat protests elsewhere in London. Does the Minister believe new powers are needed for the Met to refuse permission for repetitive protests, or should it use existing powers better to resolve extraction issues?
Police numbers are an issue, and this Government recruit more neighbourhood police officers for increased presence. I recognize the issue with extraction duties for dealing with protests. Clearly, we want all criminals dealt with by the police, and sufficient numbers of police officers to do that.
Assessment & feedback
Belief on new powers or better use of existing ones
Police Numbers Are An Issue Sufficient Numbers
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Context
Reported antisemitic and Islamophobic offences at many recent protests, contributing to a significant increase in religiously aggravated hate crimes.
Respectful of the right to peaceful protest but concerned about reported antisemitic and Islamophobic offences at recent protests. Tell MAMA recorded highest number of anti-Muslim incidents, CST reports almost 500% rise in antisemitic incidents. Can the Minister reassure on what Government will do to help police continue keeping communities safe?
Figures are shocking, this Government clear that antisemitism or Islamophobia have no place in society. Meetings discuss tackling rise, police take responsibilities seriously and tackle these issues without fear or favor.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to keep communities safe from hate crimes at protests
Figures Are Shocking Meetings Discuss Tackling
Response accuracy