Extract of the Prime Minister’s opening remarks at this
afternoon’s policing roundtable held in Downing Street.
Prime Minister :
“There is a growing consensus that mob rule is replacing
democratic rule. And we’ve got to collectively, all of us, change
that urgently.
“We can make a start today with the new Democratic Policing
Protocol.
“My thanks to all of you for your work and engagement on that.
“This makes clear the consistent and robust approach that your
forces will take from now on to protect our democratic processes
from intimidation, disruption, from subversion.
“We simply cannot allow this pattern of increasingly violent and
intimidatory behaviour which is, as far as anyone can see,
intended to shout down free debate and stop elected
representatives doing their job.
“That is simply undemocratic.
“So it’s right that the Protocol commits to additional patrols,
provides clarity that protests at elected representatives’ homes
should be treated as intimidatory.
“And we’ve provided additional funding for protective security.
“But we also need to demonstrate more broadly to the public that
you will use the powers you already have, the laws that you have.
“I am going to do whatever it requires to protect our democracy
and our values that we all hold dear.
“That is what the public expect. It is fundamental to our
democratic system. And also it is vital for maintaining public
confidence in the police.”
