CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

HOME AFFAIRS – POLICING COSTS OF REPEAT DEMONSTRATIONS - 15 January 2024

HOME AFFAIRS – POLICING COSTS OF REPEAT DEMONSTRATIONS - 15 January 2024

Sir Julian Lewis: How many times must a demonstration in the same cause be repeated, week in and week out, before the well-funded organisers become liable to pay for at least part of the policing costs?

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (James Cleverly): Of course, we recognise that there is legitimacy to public protests. We also recognise that the unprecedented and unwarranted pressure that this is putting on policing around the country is having an impact on communities. My view is that the organisers have made their point, and repeating it does not strengthen their argument. Unfortunately, we are also seeing some deeply distasteful people weaving themselves in among those protesters, who are protesting on issues that they feel passionately about, but whose good will is being abused by others.]