To worry that things will kick off in London this week?

[sunnydaytoday0]

By that I mean civil unrest? I certainly hope not but is it a worry given the simmering tension around things like peaceful protesters being warned they'd be arrested, people being reminded they're living in an incredibly unequal society during a cost of living crisis, the anger surrounding the police shooting of an unarmed man recently etc.

I image police officers are being drafted in from all over the country in near record numbers, but is anyone else worried a few heavy handed arrests over the next few days could actually tip the balance into serious disorder?

The way the police acted in Scotland recently was abhorrent and inexcusable. One man holding a sign saying “ Not my king”, arrested! Peaceful, non- violent protest yet he was arrested ! Is this a sign of things to come? Tbh, if there was going to be any trouble, I actually thought there would be more up here; but on the whole it was respectful.
Extinction rebellion, Indy 2 et al have their correct right to protest,but, I think /hope that the funeral of an 96 year old woman will go peacefully/ as all funerals should.

Peaceful, non- violent protest yet he was arrested ! Is this a sign of things to come?

Because rhe police have never wrongfully arrested anyone before! 🙄 It's not a sign of things to come, it's just a sign of things going on as usual.

I hope so! Something needs to happen. Yes poor queen n all that but the way “her” ppl are living far outweighs any respect I have for the royal family (who are nothing more than a fairytale anyway, a very sinister, evil agenda goes on with every one of them behind closed doors). The country needs to implode, we’re having the “royal” p*ss taken out of us whilst these ppl flaunt wealth that they’ve committed horrendous crimes to gain. What a world we live in and it’s extremely sad that most just don’t see it.

Yup civil unrest on it's way. Starving people will get organised and there will be street riots. I'd be surprised if this happened at the funeral where I think a terrorist threat more likely. I'm a republican anyway so won't be going anywhere near it, don't forget that the people queuing are not representative of the majority of the UK. People can't afford to clothe, feed and wash their kids, whilst the privileged young royals have school fees of £40 k plus. That's not on. So we'll see where all this national grieving is in the coming winter.

I don’t think so. If there is one thing we’ve seen with people continually voting Tory despite it not being in their best interests is that turkeys love voting for Christmas. What people say they want then what they do is utterly different.

People bitch and moan about the unfairness of things but ultimately accept it. Every time.

I think their fees are not being paid by the tax payer pretty sure of this. It would be a logistical nightmare in terms of security if the the royal kids attended state school.

I think that from a general safety viewpoint, since there appears to be an increase in the number of armed police on patrol, anyone with teenagers (particularly teenagers with no common sense) would be wise to tell them how to behave during a stop and search to avoid getting their asses kicked or worse. I know that all teens of Mumsnetters are paragons of society, but whether we like it or not, when wandering around with their friends, they can appear boisterous (particularly a group of boys) and if they 'match the description' of someone who committed a crime, it's a possibility they will be stopped. They need to be respectful even if they don't respect police. If shit does kick off, keep your teens as far the hell away from it as possible. The area I live in is usually a very quiet residential street but in February there was a massive commotion one Saturday night which I observed while outside smoking. There were about 40 teens (average age of about 14/15 and both male and female) who suddenly all scattered in various directions from a road a few hundred yards up from me. There were girls as young as 14 in little minis, giggling while 'running from the Feds'. It turned out that someone had been stabbed at a teen party. I highly doubt that one of those parents knew where their teens actually were. The boys got away faster but the girls were teetering on high heels. About 7 police vehicles turned up in minutes and I suspect running from 'the feds' is not the wisest thing to do, no matter how innocent you are.

I would hope that only police officers who are of sound mind get armed, but who knows what could happen if a situation gets out of control and they haven't slept and their judgment is impaired.

I don't like the idea of so many of them being armed without it being public knowledge (maybe it is well known and I'm just an idiot - also possible!). The only ones that I've ever seen armed were on one occasion in Kings Cross station and they were very visibly armed with large weapons (big long guns, whatever they're called) and they were in a different sort of uniform (from memory, more black than the standard officers?). We were queueing up for the Harry Potter tour thing and they were in a group. My teen was quite excited watching them and they just seemed to roam around for a few minutes then vanished into the ether somewhere. I was joking with my sister 'don't make any sudden movements' which doesn't appear quite so funny now. They were actually a bit scary looking! 😮

I have a deja vu with this post.

Have you posted the exactly same thing a while ago as well?

2 police officers stabbed in central London, although currently not thought to be related to the Queen’s lying-in-state

This argument about the mini royals going to private school is a silly argument. There are more than just royal children who go to private schools and obviously it would be totally impractical to send them to the local comprehensive. I certainly don't begrudge them that. It's a minor expense compared to other outgoings of the RF.

Oh dear. Let's hope people keep cool heads and I include police in that.

Just saw that, female officer may have life changing injuries in report I read.

I wonder if they'll sexually assault anyone

@PerfectlyPreservedQuagaarWarrior

Ridiculously nasty comment, but I’m sure you’re feeling really pleased with yourself right now 🙄

I hope that's a genuine oh dear @imissedabit ?

Nah, this was nasty. Deliberate sexualised mockery of an inconvenient woman followed by years of denial and gaslighting.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/24/met-apologises-to-academic-for-sexist-derogatory-language

Lucky their woman problem never went any further than this and a serving Met police officer nicknamed the rapist couldn't hide in plain sight for years, eh? Or things might have really got nasty.

What the hell is wrong with Mumsnet today?
I had posted a long response and it just vanished.

I read an Evening Standard article saying protests about the Chris Kaba shooting are planned for this weekend. Article quotes:

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said:
“It would be very challenging for us if it (the protest) were to take place.

“It would be more helpful if a protest wasn’t this weekend, but people have the right to demonstrate."

Glad to see the police referencing people's right to demonstrate. Hopefully all officers remember this over the coming weeks and months.

@imissedabit
I don't like the idea of so many of them being armed without it being public knowledge

Personally I find it scarier that some random guy like your friend who works for the rich middle eastern family could be walking around armed.

Didnt realise 14 year old girls in london of all places would still be doing the mini skirts and heels thing

Maybe organised groups know that should they do something to disrupt proceedings, the backlash will be stronger than the message that they are trying to get across.

He's ex-military and as stated, is NOT ALLOWED to carry as a civilian when the family are in London. He is allowed to carry outside of the UK.

I've no idea what you mean about the 14 year olds? They were very young girls and had not a clue what to do in the circumstances.

See I posted a thread about this and I have no idea why this is a given especially at primary level. Most private school have shit security, with acres of open access grounds/ playfield. In addition other kids are from wealthy influential families from risky countries like the Middle East.
Conversely state schools especially little village primaries have good security (to demonstrate safeguarding for Ofsted) and children come from the local community.
It must be way easier to keep them safe in local primary than the current 52 acres security have to watch.

My friend is ex UK military. He is part of a security detail and they work shifts. There are 4 of them working at all times. I don't know who the hell these people are but they're clearly extremely rich. Some of them travel, some of them only work at their residences in either of their homes. He's one of the ones who travels with them.

You know how much a royal kidnapping would cost us lovely taxpayers?

@MichelleScarn

I do not appreciate the insinuation you are making there.

If you read through my comments on this thread, I have stated that in my view, how policing is handled over the next few months will determine how unpredictable or volatile events are.

I get nervous when other people are nervous around me.
If you've worked with horses, even the most brilliant thoroughbred becomes useless if they lose the plot.
I don't condone violence.
I'm a nervous and anxious person myself so would be likely to bolt!

As I said, there are numerous volatile situations simmering.
If you live in a perfect world with blinkers on, you won't be aware of them.
I think that policing is one of the biggest antagonists at the moment.
If you live in a naice little corner of London, you might never deal with police ever.
Police are human though and if they're antsy or jumpy, that's not good.
If they're antsy, jumpy and armed, that's really not good!

My favourite film in the world is called Man on Fire. It stars Denzel Washington. It's set in Mexico where kidnappings are rife but it's a brilliant film. It's a little bit gritty, but it's emotional too. I have no money to give should anyone kidnap my child (lucky kid!). The Royal Family however? I'm pretty sure that 'we don't negotiate with terrorists' possibly doesn't apply when it's the royal family. You simply can't put them in the same league as us. Not because they're superior but because their family would potentially give money which makes them a massive target for mercenaries. I do not begrudge them keeping their children safe.