PM Backs Metropolitan Police Chief Amid Vigil Protest Fallout

Strategic Insights -

Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Metropolitan Police chief Dame Cressida Dick despite the controversy surrounding the police handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard. The prime minister acknowledged the "very distressing" scenes on Clapham Common but emphasized the police have a "very difficult job." Home Secretary Priti Patel defended restrictions on protests, stating that "too many" women feel unsafe in public, while Labour has opposed legislation giving police greater powers to crack down on protests.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boris Johnson expressed confidence in Metropolitan Police chief Dame Cressida Dick, acknowledging the "very distressing" scenes on Clapham Common.
  • The prime minister emphasized the police have a "very difficult job" in maintaining public safety, especially during the pandemic.
  • Home Secretary Priti Patel defended restrictions on protests, citing the need to prevent the spread of coronavirus and stating that "too many" women feel unsafe in public.
  • Labour has opposed legislation giving police greater powers to crack down on protests, arguing it contains "poorly thought-out measures" that impose disproportionate controls on free expression.
  • A YouGov poll showed 47% of adults support Dame Cressida remaining in post, while 23% called for her to resign.
  • Dame Cressida has been asked by Home Secretary Priti Patel to conduct a "lessons learned" review into the policing of the vigil, with Sir Thomas Winsor as the chief inspector of constabulary conducting the review.
  • The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has stated that the handling of the vigil did not make her "less determined" to lead the organization.
  • Four people were arrested for public order and coronavirus regulation breaches at the Clapham Common event on Saturday.

Statistics:

  • 47% of adults support Dame Cressida remaining in post, according to a YouGov poll (Source: YouGov. 5,168 adults polled.).
  • 23% of adults called for Dame Cressida to resign, according to a YouGov poll (Source: YouGov. 5,168 adults polled.).
  • 300-page Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill includes 176 clauses and 20 schedules (Source: Labour Party).
  • 4 people were arrested for public order and coronavirus regulation breaches at the Clapham Common event on Saturday (Source: Metropolitan Police).
  • Hundreds of women left floral tributes in the park near the route where Ms Everard walked (Source: multiple reports).

Sources:

  • YouGov. 5,168 adults polled.
  • Labour Party. 300-page Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
  • Metropolitan Police. Arrests and policing of Clapham Common event on Saturday.
  • Multiple reports. Floral tributes and mourners at Clapham Common.