Move G7 protest site, says Plymouth MP
Luke Pollard says it should happen at Central Park instead of The Hoe
A local MP is urging Devon and Cornwall Police to move the designated G7 protest site from Plymouth Hoe to Central Park.
Luke Pollard has described the force's decision as a "disaster waiting to happen".
The Hoe is one of four locations chosen to host organised protests, during next month's summit in St Ives, along with Exeter, Truro and Falmouth.
Earlier this week, the force revealed one of the sites is being reviewed.
Mr Pollard has written to the Chief Constable, Shaun Sawyer and Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, asking for them to explain their rationale.
Luke Pollard said:
"The Hoe is the wrong location for a large protest. It is in our historic heart of our city, with limited ways in and out and would require protestors to travel through our city centre and Barbican. It is a disaster waiting to happen.
"I want the police to consider moving the protest to Central Park which has more space and is a location that is familiar to the Police because of policing Argyle games at Home Park.
"I support the right to peaceful protest, which is essential for any democracy. I share the concerns of environmental campaigners - we are in a Climate and Ecological Emergency. Action to cut carbon and preserve wildlife habitats has so far been too little too late. We need meaningful structural change from our world leaders.
"I am very worried that if protests at former G7 summits are anything to go by, the Hoe could be trashed and people could get hurt. The safety and wellbeing of local people, the police, legitimate protestors and everyone in Plymouth has to be the top priority. That is why I want the protest location moved away from the Hoe."