MPA Public Meeting - Met Chiefs must face facts

MET CHIEFS MUST FACE FACTS ON THE POLICING FAILURES AT G20

Excessive use of force at the G20 has set a dangerous precedent for future demonstrations and undermined public confidence in the Police.

At a public meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority tomorrow (Thursday) morning at City Hall, members of Defend Peaceful Protest will be calling a full public inquiry into the systematic violence meted out by police at the G20 demonstrations.

Members of the group will be submitting questions in person to the Metropolitan Police Authority at the meeting. They will also be attending a rally outside City Hall prior to the meeting, with other groups concerned about police tactics.

Defend Peaceful Protest spokesperson Andrew May said:

“The Metropolitan Police must face facts. This was not one or two isolated incidents by individual officers, it was a systematic abuse of power, directed by senior commanders who must be held to account.”

“As shocking as the violence is the fact that the Police initially attempted to ‘spin’ their way out of trouble, releasing wildly inaccurate reports about the way an innocent bystander, Ian Tomlinson, died.”

“In one week, the faith of the public in our police force was shattered. The focus should now be on reform and change in the training and tactics used. Senior officers involved in the operation should be investigated and held to account rather than the blame being put solely on front line police.”

Over 2000 supporters from London and across the country have joined Defend Peaceful Protest since its origins as an online campaign the day after the G20 summit.

On Thursday evening, Defend Peaceful protest will be coordinating an online public debate on policing in collaboration. We encourage all interested individuals to cover and contribute.

You can feedback on our own forum at www.defendpeacefulprotest.org/forum