§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis about repeated instances of disruption at Speakers' Corner, Hyde Park, and obscene and racial abuse; whether he has any information on the political affiliation of those involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the police have received a number of complaints from speakers at Speakers Corner that a group of people have disrupted meetings there by aggressive and offensive heckling. The police have sought to prevent meetings being disrupted, but two prosecutions which were brought were unsuccessful. The Commissioner has no reason to believe that the hecklers are a politically organised group. The police will continue to keep a watch on the situation, and will take appropriate action if criminal offences are committed or a breach of the peace appears likely. My right hon. and learned Friend will consider, in the light of conclusions recently reached on this matter by the Attorney-General, whether any changes in the law are required.