§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action was taken by the Metropolitan police regarding the dispersal of the demonstrators from Trafalgar Square and Whitehall on 1 May; to which areas of London they were dispersed; what policing arrangements were made to ensure a peaceful and orderly dispersal; and if he will make a statement. [121989]
§ Mr. StrawThe Metropolitan police inform me contingency plans were drawn up to deal with possible disorder. The tactic for this event was to contain any disorder followed by a controlled dispersal. This is what took place from Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. I understand that protesters from Whitehall and Trafalgar Square were released in small numbers throughout the afternoon and evening to make their way home. Some demonstrators from Parliament Square were escorted to Kennington Park, and a small group of demonstrators congregated in the Strand were escorted to Kennington Park. During the controlled dispersals, police monitored their movements throughout.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answers of 8 May 2000,Official Report, column 314W, on the disorder in central London on 1 May, what meetings were held prior to 1 May between the Metropolitan police and the Royal Parks Agency regarding the protection of the statues in Parliament Square; who was the most senior Metropolitan police officer present at each such meeting; what advice the Royal Parks Agency received from the Metropolitan police concerning boarding up the statues; who was the most senior Metropolitan police officer who authorised the giving of such advice; and if he will make a statement. [122031]
§ Mr. StrawThe Metropolitan police inform me that one formal meeting was held with the Royal Parks Agency and several phone calls were made. A member of the central planning team attended the meeting under the directions of the event commander, who on this occasion was Commander Messinger. The available information and intelligence was shared with the Agency.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answers of 8 May 2000,Official Report, column 314W, on the disorder in central London on 1 May, what meetings were held prior to 1 May between the Metropolitan police and English Heritage regarding the protection of the Cenotaph; who was the most senior Metropolitan police officer present at each such meeting; what advice English Heritage received from the Metropolitan police about boarding up the Cenotaph; who was the most senior Metropolitan police officer who authorised the giving of such advice; and if he will make a statement. [122032]
§ Mr. StrawThe Metropolitan police inform me that one formal meeting was held with English Heritage and several phone calls made. A member of the police central planning team attended the meeting under the directions of the event commander, who on this occasion was Commander Messinger. The available information and intelligence was shared with English Heritage.