Exclusive: Thames Valley Police officers help deal with Palestine Action protests in London
Almost 900 people were arrested for showing support of Palestine Action on Saturday
We can reveal officers from Thames Valley Police have been helping London's police force to deal with Palestine Action protests.
Palestine Action was outlawed as a terrorist group in July after it claimed responsibility for vandalising two planes at RAF Brize Norton, causing £7 million of damage.
The ban means that membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Almost 900 people were arrested for backing the proscribed organisation during a rally in London over the weekend.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber says “it shouldn’t be a concern for people” that local police resources are being used to help deal with the protests in London.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Mr Barber said: “Ultimately, providing the resources that are required to police the streets and keeping people safe is always the priority, by making sure that those areas have got the minimum numbers, they're supported, and the resources are replaced to deal with incidents that happen here.
“But of course that’s still within a system where police forces across the county will back each other up and move resources around as necessary. So of course, the safety of people in Thames Valley comes first.”
He added: “It's not unusual for us to go and support other areas, and of course the Met are seeing a significant amount of protest activities at the end of the summer.
“Thames Valley Police also have some very good experience and expertise in terms of managing protest as we see a lot of protests, particularly in places like Oxford, on a whole variety of subjects all year round.
“That means we are well versed in making sure that ultimately the public have the opportunity to exercise their freedom of speech to protest lawfully and peacefully, in a way that keeps everybody else safe.”
There are expected to be further protests taking place in London this week, including far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s 'free speech' rally.
Thames Valley PCC said: “I wouldn't comment on individual deployments of officers but that support for other forces will continue as indeed as policing in Thames Valley.
“So, we will no doubt have a busy weekend whether it's dealing with protest, dealing with crime and other pre-planned operations.”