Lots to unpick from the Rowley statement
Sir Mark Rowley defends Met officers who protected King’s historic Coronation | Evening Standard
Officers have told me how the celebrating crowds applauded and cheered as they made 17 arrests in The Mall area close to the processional route and imminent to the start of the procession.
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However, on reviewing the evidence we will be taking no further action against the six Republic protestors arrested. Officers searched a vehicle on Saturday morning and found items which at the time they believed could have been used as part of a ‘lock on’ style protest. As I would expect the arresting officers were vigilant, curious, and proactive. They formed the ‘reasonable suspicion’ necessary to arrest for the new Section 2 Public Order Act 2023 offence of Being Equipped to Lock On, and these were the only arrests under the new legislation. Having now reviewed the evidence and potential lines of enquiry we do not judge that we will be able to prove criminal intent beyond all reasonable doubt.
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Indeed, personally, I am immensely grateful to them that I am not currently trying to explain why we failed to prevent the perfect Coronation celebration being significantly disrupted or injury or harm to people witnessed on the world stage. In the coming weeks, months and years we will deal with further challenging events.
While too often polarised public commentary will criticise based more on bias than facts, we will always strive to pursue our responsibilities without fear or favour, acting on the information available on the day, and striving to strike that balance: protecting freedom of expression, as well as the rights of Londoners, and visitors, to enjoy our city.
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Why mention the people applauding arrests? Is that how arrests work?
It looks like the ends justify the means.
Khan has asked him to ask some key questions:
Despite the welcome efforts of so many committed officers, it is clear that some of the arrests made have given rise to concerns and, in my oversight role as mayor, I am seeking assurance from you that the issues related to these will be subject to a review and lessons learned. In particular, I would ask that you urgently provide me with further information on:
-The arrests of six members of the “Republic” group, and why the arresting officers did not appear to know or take into account, the liaison Republic had undertaken with Met in advance of the event?
-Why the protest liaison officer was not part of the decision-making process on the arrests or even contacted?
-Why there was not a faster resolution in respect of these arrests following the initial decision to arrest?
-What role the new legislation played in the arrests, and what consideration was given to concerns raised by City Hall that section 2 Public Order Act 2023 “being equipped to lock on” was so broadly drawn, that it could interfere with peaceful protest if not carefully interpreted?
-What liaison took place with Westminster city council after the arrests of the “Night Star” volunteers?
-What briefing was provided to officers who were drafted in from outside of Westminster borough area to ensure they were aware of local partnership arrangements?In his letter Khan also accepted that “balancing public safety requirements against the fundamental right to peaceful protest is not easy” and he thanked the police for their success in making the coronation a global success.