Met Police say they regret arresting anti-monarchy protesters
The Metropolitan Police expressed regret over the arrests of six anti-monarchy protesters on Coronation day and apologised to Republic chief executive Graham Smith and other members of the group, who were detained when their vehicle was stopped near the procession route. The Met had used a controversial new law to detain the group after items were found in their vehicle that the officers “had reasonable grounds to believe could be used as lock on devices”.
However, the group was released after the Met found no proof that the protesters had intended to use the equipment for “lock-on” tactics. Smith did not accept the apology and intends to take legal action against the police. The changes to the law passed last week make it illegal for protesters to use equipment to secure themselves to things like railings.
Former cabinet minister David Davis criticised the legislation and said it should be scrutinised by the Home Affairs Select Committee to ensure it is understood and implemented fairly. Shadow housing minister Lisa Nandy expressed support for a review into the handling of Mr Smith’s case but said the Labour Party was not committing to a “wholesale repeal” of the new law.