Saturday’s major public order challenge for the Met

Chris Hobbs reviews the public order problems expected this Saturday as supporters of Chris Kaba, Tommy Robinson and other actors stage protests in central London.

The lot of an officer who prepares a threat assessment for a public order event is never an easy one. Based on the final product, resources will be allocated, rest days cancelled, local policing affected and significant costs incurred. In addition, the author has to be prepared to amend his or her’s assessment as further information or intelligence comes to light.

As recent weeks have unfolded, it became clear that the 26th of October would be a challenging day for the Met and one where ‘PC Rain’ would be more than welcome in any event. However, two dramatic events in just a few days have changed the dynamic and will have caused any draft assessment to be amended.

The Met have known for a while that a Tommy Robinson ‘we want our country back,’ protest would take place in central London on the day in question. Previously his more recent protests have attracted what could most kindly be described as tepid opposition. However, following the initial violent riots back in August of this year, anti-racist groups orchestrated formidable turnouts of counter-protesters wherever what was perceived as a far-right gathering, was scheduled to take place.

On Saturday the 26th therefore, it is likely that the anti-racist counter protest will be much larger than previously seen. However, into the mix comes a third well- established event that takes place on the last Saturday of October, namely a rally which protests against deaths in police custody and other deaths attributable to ‘the state.’ Trafalgar Square is the venue and, in previous years, this gathering has seen some virulent anti-police speeches. Doubtless, many of those from the political left, will be conflicted as to which to attend. It may be that the anti-racist march will pass Trafalgar Square in any event.

These three protests all take place against a background of the riots and footage which shocked many, whatever their political persuasion.

Events and airbrushing

If the above-mentioned draft risk assessment was close to completion by Monday morning, recent events would have compelled changes. The death, in prison, of Peter Lynch, convicted of violent disorder during the Rotherham riot, prompted a furious reaction from those on the extreme right.

He had been imprisoned; it was claimed simply for being vocal towards the line of police dressed in riot gear. In fact, this wave of rioting showed that those who were part of mob who were collectively involved and, presumably, could have walked away, would be liable to arrest even if they didn’t physically assault anyone or damage property but simply confined themselves to threats, abuse and pushing.

Mr. Lynch had pleaded guilty and, of course, police could now show footage explaining why he was arrested but to do so would be unacceptably insensitive in the aftermath of his death.

Clearly his death may still feature prominently in the rally. The narrative is being established that those arrested during the riots have been treated unfairly and been convicted for simply shouting or posting ‘hurty words’ on social media. B

The Chris Kaba verdict

However, a further dramatic event changed the narrative again. The not guilty verdict in the Chris Kaba case was greeted with relief by those in the police community together with those who traditionally support officers. Also vocal in their approbation of the jury’s verdict were many on the right of the political spectrum who have previously been critical of ‘two-tier,’ ‘woke’ policing.

The jury’s decision has, however, sparked anger amongst activists which manifested itself in a protest on Monday evening outside the Old Bailey. Whilst the attendance was only around 200, there was much hostile rhetoric although no disorder. There seems little doubt that despite the revelations concerning Mr. Kaba’s criminal past, this topic will dominate the rally in Trafalgar Square.

Quite how the death of a male convicted of an offence linked to the riots or the acquittal of a police officer responsible for the death of a violent gangster will affect the dynamics of the three protests on Saturday will be unenviable conundrum being considered by that officer compiling the threat assessment amidst constantly shifting sands.

Interestingly, both Mr. Lynch and Mr. Kaba are being referred to as ‘martyrs’ on social media.

The Met will, once again, strive to keep rival groups apart using a variety of tactics which will doubtless result in bemused tourists attempting to work their way around a variety of steel barriers, cordons and closed subways.

Large numbers are expected and much will depend on whether groups will attempt to break away from their own events, endeavour to elude police and then confront their rivals. Dispersals at the conclusion of the respective events may be significant and hopefully won’t coincide thus ensuring that rival groups are less likely to clash on the transport system. Another factor that will concern police is whether the 20,000 or so protesters expected for the Tommy Robinson rally will actually fit into Parliament Square.

In any event, a huge challenge awaits the Gold, Silver and Bronze police commanders on the day and a recent announcement by Tommy Robinson that he has been asked to report to a police station on today (Friday) may increase that challenge. On Monday, he is due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court in respect of contempt of court allegations.

Category: OpsPublic Order