§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the policing of the recent Pensioners' Rally at Central Hall, Westminster, with particular reference to the(a) clothing worn by the police and (b) use of surveillance cameras. [143159]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeI am advised by the Metropolitan police that the 'National Pensioners Convention' held on 7 November at Westminster Central Hall was policed by 14 officers wearing normal uniform. No surveillance cameras were used.
§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Sussex on the policing of the pensioners' meeting held at Hove on 24 September and subsequent march to the Labour Party Conference, with particular reference to(a) the clothing worn by the police and (b) the use of surveillance cameras. [143158]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeSussex Police are not aware of a pensioners' meeting and rally on 24 September. On that date, a meeting and march were held in Hove under the banner of the "Alternative Conference". As some people within this march were found to have items that could be used to cause injury, some officers were available fully equipped with public order equipment and protective clothing.
On 25 September, some pensioners joined in the marches organised by the Countryside Alliance and the East and West Farmers and these demonstrations were policed by officers in protective order jackets and trousers but wearing ordinary headgear.
Surveillance cameras were used during the party conference and facilitated the gathering of intelligence which may have later supported the investigation of offences.