Breaking: Rishi Sunak Demands Tougher Police Action Against “Mob Rule” Threatening Democracy
RISHI Sunak tonight warned that “mob rule is replacing democratic rule” and demanded police get tougher.
After hauling in top cops for urging security talks, the PM announced a “Democratic Policing Protocol” of protest edicts officers will be expected to follow.
Tackling Unruly Demonstrations
It makes clear that demos outside MPs’ homes should be broken up and that yobs must not be allowed to block political events.
Patrols will be stepped up in “flashpoint” areas in communities and new guidance will be issued to all officers stressing their powers.
Strengthening Security Measures
It says cops should also engage with organisers of events held by MPs and candidates in the run-up to the election to bolster security.
Mr Sunak said: “There is a growing consensus that mob rule is replacing democratic rule. And we’ve got to collectively, all of us, change that urgently.”
Call for Immediate Action
Police bosses have come under pressure to break up the recent wave of baying Gaza protests leaving politicians fearing for their safety.
Mr Sunak told top cops: “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.
He added: “I am going to do whatever it requires to protect our democracy and our values that we all hold dear.”
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
It came as Justice Minister Mike Freer said a new government security crackdown was “missing the point”.
The Tory MP – who is standing down due to relentless anti-Israel threats – told Times Radio: “Frankly, unless you get to the root cause, then you’re just going to have a ring of steel around MPs. And our whole style of democracy changes.”
He also said policing needs to be more visible, adding: “Just arresting someone a week later and posting it on Twitter is not a deterrent.
“People need to see it on the spot. That’s what policing is about.”
Reaction to Political Suggestions
Meanwhile Mr Sunak’s press secretary said calls by Labour MP Harriet Harman for MPs to work from home were “appalling”.
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