London's Metropolitan Police force accused of blanket ban on protest over Sarah Everard vigil
Britain's biggest police force has been accused of enforcing a blanket ban on protest amid the fallout after the handling of the Sarah Everard vigil.
Britain's biggest police force, London's Metropolitan Police, has been accused of enforcing a blanket ban on protest amid the fallout after the handling of the Sarah Everard vigil.
Anna Birley from Reclaim These Streets told MPs on Wednesday that senior officers from the Metropolitan Police had been obstructive to organisers and refused to engage with them over the event.
Campaign group Reclaim These Streets, whose members include two south London local councillors, had aimed to hold a vigil in Ms Everard's memory on Clapham Common on March 13.
The organisers had been involved in talks with the local police and the local authority, but said when senior staff from Scotland Yard became involved the tone changed.
Ms Birley said before the Home Affairs Select Committee:
"The police maintain that they do not have a blanket ban on protest, for want of a better word, but it's very difficult to see when they are unable to work with two local elected officials supported by their MPs and by officers of the local council and by local police officers, with a whole host of risk assessments and Covid-safe measures planned.
"If they can't work with us, then who are they going to work with? It's very difficult to see how in practice it isn't a blanket ban.''
Organisers of the vigil went to the High Court for clarity around the right to protest amid lockdown, but no definitive answer was given.
While it is unlawful for police to effectively ban protest, forces are expected in each case to weigh up the importance of the right to demonstrate against the potential public health risk.
The rules will change next week as lockdown conditions are eased, with the right to protest specifically exempt.
Police across England and Wales are currently reviewing their preparedness for protests and ability to provide mutual aid to neighbouring forces.
The unrest in Bristol in recent days saw Avon and Somerset police joined by officers from British Transport Police, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Dyfed-Powys, Gloucestershire, Gwent and Wiltshire.
National Police Chiefs' Council lead for public order and public safety, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, said:
"In light of the recent protests that have taken place across the country in recent weeks, as well as the forthcoming changes to the regulations, we believe it is sensible for forces to review their protest policing plans.
"We want to ensure that all forces have the capability to respond quickly and appropriately to any future protests, whether lawful or unlawful.
"As such, the public may see more police presence in some areas, though this isn't something to be alarmed about.
"It isn't based on any immediate danger or threat, but so we can be as prepared as possible.
"Where lawful, we will seek to facilitate peaceful protests, but any violence will not be tolerated.''