…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Anti-monarchy campaigners who were arrested prior to the King’s coronation are considering legal action against the Metropolitan Police, after being informed that no charges will be brought against them.
Republic chief executive Graham Smith has called for a full inquiry into who authorised the arrests during the “disgraceful episode.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has backed the Met over the arrests of dozens of protesters, amid concerns that they were cracking down on dissent.
The force made 64 arrests on coronation day, with 46 people bailed after being detained on suspicion of causing a public nuisance or breaching the peace.
Eight protesters from Republic detained in London have all been told no charges will be brought against them.
Mr Smith said the speed with which they did this demonstrates they were very quickly aware they had made a very serious error of judgment, and there will be action taken against them.
Scotland Yard has been asked about the result of the Republic arrests.
Earlier in the day, Mr Sunak defended Scotland Yard’s operation and denied officers were acting under pressure from ministers.
Mr Smith accused Scotland Yard of having every intention of arresting demonstrators and of having lied in discussions ahead of the planned protests.
He raised fresh concerns about the Public Order Act signed into law last week, which tips the balance against protest, including by lowering the definition of “serious disruption.”
Instead of committing the party to repealing it if it enters government, Labour frontbencher Andrew Gwynne said the Act gave disproportionate powers to the police, and “I think the next Labour government will look very carefully at this legislation.”
Westminster City Council has raised concerns that women’s safety volunteers were among those arrested after rape alarms were seized.
The Met said it had received intelligence that people were planning to use the devices to disrupt the procession.
In total the Met made 64 arrests during the coronation day.
Four charges have been brought, including over a religiously aggravated public order allegation and class A drugs possession.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has demanded “clarity” from the force’s leaders on the arrests.
Commentary:
The article reports on the arrests of anti-monarchy campaigners ahead of the King’s coronation in London.
The protesters were arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance or breaching the peace.
The article provides information on the number of arrests made by the Metropolitan Police, with the majority of those arrested bailed.
The article also discusses the concerns raised by Republic chief executive Graham Smith, who is considering legal action against the Metropolitan Police, after being told that no charges will be brought against him.
The article also reports on the Public Order Act signed into law last week, which Mr. Smith believes tips the balance against protest, including by lowering the definition of “serious disruption.”
The article also features commentary from politicians and representatives of various organizations.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended Scotland Yard’s operation and denied officers were acting under pressure from ministers.
Labour frontbencher Andrew Gwynne said that the Act gave disproportionate powers to the police, and the next Labour government would look carefully at this legislation.
Ken Marsh, head of the Metropolitan Police Federation representing officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector, said police were acting lawfully and “impartially.”
Westminster City Council raised concerns that women’s safety volunteers were among those arrested after rape alarms were seized.
The article presents a balanced view of the events and includes commentary from a range of perspectives.
It provides readers with information on the arrests and concerns raised by campaigners, as well as the responses from the police and politicians.
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