Britain is a democracy in which the vast majority of people accept that the way to effect political change is through peaceful debate, discussion and elections. Peaceful protests or demonstrations can draw attention to causes, but should not be allowed seriously to disrupt the daily lives of others. Nor should protests be used as a cover for extremist ideology, intimidation or threats – still less for actual violence. We must not allow democracy to be subverted by violent mobs on our streets nor threats of violence or intimidation.
We must all face down the extremists and encourage community cohesion to ensure friendly relations between the different cultures in our area. I do not want to see our country go down the route of separate development of cultures proposed by those who encourage extremist identity politics and the politics of grievance. I have and will continue to take a lead in promoting community cohesion and cross-cultural understanding and tolerance, and in facing down those who seek to drive division and hatred in our communities.
I will work with the Chief Constable to
- Ensure that plans are in place to keep the streets open should protestors seek to close them.
- Ensure that guidelines are in place so that protestors are clear that "hate marches" will not be permitted.
- Monitor protests to ensure that threatening and intimidatory behaviour is not permitted, and if it occurs will be firmly dealt with.
- Support the Chief Constable and their officers in robust policing of protests and demonstrations that turn violent or intimidatory.
- Protect MPs, councillors and others from attempts to bully or intimidate them into pursuing or abandoning policies through mob rule.
- Protect the integrity of the democratic process by taking seriously allegations of postal vote harvesting, undue influence over voters, fraudulent votes and other electoral crimes.
- Protect the right to peaceful protest.
- Protect the right to free speech.
- Ensure that the police do not give the impression of supporting controversial or contentious policies or causes either corporately or individually. The neutrality of the police is essential when policing protests.
