Howarth: G20 policing must not be heavy-handed or provocative

A delegation of Liberal Democrat MPs will be on the ground in the City of London tomorrow to observe and monitor the policing of the G20 protests.

It is hoped that their presence will help to defuse any escalation in tensions between police and protesters, as well as providing credible witnesses to any abuse of police powers.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice SecretaryDavid Howarth, who is organising the delegation, said:

“We do not want to see a repeat of the policing of last year’s camp at Kingsnorth, which was disproportionate, heavy-handed and provocative.

“I was encouraged to hear the Metropolitan police talking seriously about proportionality when I met them today.

“I very much hope that the rights of the protesters to make their important point peacefully will be fully respected.”