Metropolitan Police Face Criticism Over Arrests During Coronation Celebrations

Strategic Insights -

The Metropolitan Police have come under scrutiny after a London council demanded an apology over the arrest of volunteers who were handing out rape alarms to women at King Charles' Coronation. The council, Westminster City Council, claimed the three volunteers were carrying out a public service, but the Met stated they had "received intelligence" suggesting people were planning to disrupt proceedings using rape alarms, posing a risk to public and horse safety.

The Met has since expressed regret over the arrests and released the three volunteers without charge. The force has also faced criticism over the arrest of six activists from the anti-monarchist group Republic, including its chief executive Graham Smith, who will not face charges after being detained on Saturday, May 6.

Key Takeaways:

  • Westminster City Council has demanded an apology from the Metropolitan Police over the arrest of three volunteers handing out rape alarms to women at King Charles' Coronation.
  • The Met claimed they had "received intelligence" suggesting people were planning to disrupt proceedings using rape alarms, posing a risk to public and horse safety.
  • The three volunteers were released without charge, and the Met expressed regret over the arrests.
  • The force also faced criticism over the arrest of six activists from the anti-monarchist group Republic, including its chief executive Graham Smith, who will not face charges.
  • Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has sent a letter to the Met's commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, seeking assurance that lessons are learned from the arrests.
  • The Met has stated that the Protest Liaison Team were not the arresting officers, and there was a misunderstanding about the use of the items seized.

Statistics:

  • 3 volunteers were arrested and released without charge for handing out rape alarms to women at King Charles' Coronation.
  • 6 activists from the anti-monarchist group Republic were detained and released without charge.
  • 1 explaining letter from Sadiq Khan to the Met's commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, was sent seeking assurance that lessons are learned from the arrests.

Sources:

  • Westminster City Council statement
  • Metropolitan Police statement
  • Sadiq Khan letter to the Metropolitan Police commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley