Ahead of the expected far-right disorder and violence in London this evening, Zoë Garbett, Green Group Member of the London Assembly Police & Crime Committee, released the following statement:
“I want every Londoner, particularly our Black, Asian, and Muslim neighbours, coworkers, friends and partners, to know they are safe in our city. I expect the Met to remain vigilant, diligent, and unbiased as we work to move past these hateful attacks on our streets.
“Peaceful protest is a hallmark of free expression in this country. Let me be clear: the kind of rioting, looting, and thuggery we have seen elsewhere in the UK is anything but peaceful, and anything but a protest.
“Now is the moment to reach out, support, and stand up for diversity that makes London the incredible home it is for so many of us.
“If you see something that doesn’t look right, please get in touch with the Met police as quickly as possible by calling 999.”
Notes to editors
The Green Group has been active in scrutinising the Met in the way they police protests across London. For instance, former Chair of the Police and Crime Committee and Green Group Lead Caroline Russell challenged the Mayor directly to defend the Met’s seemingly biased display of advertising the costs of certain protests over others. Specifically, Caroline has called into question the Met Police’s violent tactics against Just Stop Oil protesters, particularly when compared to its conduct at the Coronation.