PM condemns ‘Kill the Bill’ mob in Bristol
But, surprise, Labour’s Lammy hits out at ‘heavy handed’ police
BORIS JOHNSON has condemned antipolice protesters after rioting broke out in Bristol for the second time in a week.
The Prime Minister slammed the ‘disgraceful’ demonstration and said those involved were ‘a mob intent on violence’.
And Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was ‘disgusted’ by the attacks on police, with protesters launching fireworks at officers on horseback outside Bridewell police station late on Friday night.
But Labour MP David Lammy criticised the police response. He told LBC London: ‘It looks severe, really, really heavy-handed. What is going on?’
More than 100 riot officers started to disperse the crowd of more than 1,000 people after being pelted with eggs, bottles and traffic cones.
Police said ten arrests were made after ‘violent conduct’ at the ‘Kill the Bill’ protest, which demanded that the Government scrap a new policing bill which criminalises marches deemed a ‘public nuisance’.
Mr Johnson said yesterday: ‘Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol.
‘Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property. The police and the city have my full support.’
Ms Patel added: ‘I’m in no doubt the silent, law-abiding majority will be appalled by the actions of this criminal minority. Despite repeated warnings to disperse, it’s clear these thugs were only intent on causing trouble. The police have my full support.’
But civil rights groups say the legislation is a draconian assault on freedom of speech. And Mr Lammy added: ‘How are the Prime Minister and Priti Patel calming this down? That’s what concerns me because I’ve got a sense that they’re not doing that.’
Footage shows mounted officers cantering towards the crowds before a firework was hurled among the horses’ hooves at 11pm on Friday. When the rocket exploded, the terrified horses scattered across the road as their riders lurched in their saddles and officers on foot had to avoid being clattered by the animals.
‘No, no, stop,’ yelled some protesters, intent on maintaining a semblance of peace amid the rioting.
More than 1,000 people had massed outside the police station in the city centre, which last Sunday had been targeted by rioters who torched police vans.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: ‘Bottles and bricks were thrown at officers, fireworks were launched at our mounted section. One of our horses was also covered with paint.’
Police in Manchester yesterday broke up a ‘Kill the Bill’ rally when a small group of protesters tried to block tram tracks in the city’s St Peter’s Square. Around 150 people had attended the rally. Hundreds attended an event in Nottingham.