Greater London Authority

11/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2024 04:13

Getting the balance right - policing protests in London

Created on
05 November 2024

Getting the balance right - policing protests in London

In July 2024, five environmental protesters were sentenced between four and five years' imprisonment for obstructing the M25 motorway.1

At its meeting on Wednesday 9 October, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee heard that the balance between the right to protest and the public desire to avoid disruption has not always been met, and that protesters were being more harshly treated than has previously been the case.

The Met has been under increased pressure, with regular largescale demonstrations in central London related to the conflict in the Middle East, as well as "significant business-as-usual events, including state events, Remembrance Day, football and other protests".2

Tomorrow, the Committee will continue to explore challenges the Met is facing with policing large events and protests, as well as whether the right balance is being struck between preventing excessive disruption and the right to protest.

Guests include:

  • Simon Hill, Deputy General Secretary and Public Order Lead, Metropolitan Police Federation
  • Andy Walker, Head of Delivery: Uniformed Policing, College of Policing
  • Louise Puddefoot, T/Commander, Major Operations and Public Order, Metropolitan Police

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 6 November 2024 from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

Follow us @LondonAssembly.

Notes to editors

  1. The Guardian, Five Just Stop Oil activists receive record sentences for planning to block M25, 18 July 2024
  2. House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, Oral evidence: Policing of Protests, 12 December 2023
  3. Susan Hall AM,Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee, is available for interview.
  4. Find out more about the work of the Police and Crime Committee.
  5. Read the agenda in full.
  6. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.