§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost has been of policing the meetings outside the North London Mosque on Fridays(a) on average per meeting and (b) in total. [169780]
§ Ms BlearsThe Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis informs me that in general no additional policing costs have been incurred in routine policing of the meetings. The officers used to police the meetings have been drawn from non-operational staff in police support roles. This approach has ensured that there has been no reduction in the number of officers on Response Teams.
On a few occasions, demonstrations opposed to the meetings have required additional police resources. The Metropolitan Police Authority would be expected to meet any extra costs from its £2.3 billion budget.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of whether the Friday meetings outside the North London mosque are(a) political demonstrations and (b) religious services; and if he will make a statement. [169792]
§ Caroline FlintThe Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis tells me that prayers take place during the Friday meetings outside the North London mosque and it is policed accordingly.