D&C Police, Cornwall Council, Cabinet Office G7 Q&A: What was said?

The meeting was hosted by Superintendent Jo Hall of Devon and Devon and Cornwall Police who was also joined by her colleagues Chief Superintendent Jim Pearce who is Cornwall Commander and Chief Inspector Russell Dawe, Lead Planner for G7 policing and security.

Representing Cornwall Council were Phil Mason, Strategic Director for Economic Growth and Development and Director of Public Health Rachel Wigglesworth.

Cabinet Office G7 taskforce representatives Joseph Potts and Laura Perry also attended the meeting.

To start things off, each of the organisations present gave opening statements giving an overview of their G7 planning in which the addressed the unprecedented times in which the summit would take place as well as how proud they were to be hosting the different heads of state in attendance.

Questions were submitted by the public both before the event and were also chosen from the live chat occurring during the Q&A.

Here's an overview of what was asked and answered.

Q: With such a massive event bringing large numbers from across the world will they have to isolate in hotels for two weeks like every other visitor?

Joseph Potts: "We want to ensure that this is a completely Covid-safe event, not only for the people travelling to the summit but for the people of Cornwall also.

"We're having a lot of discussion with other governments to ensure they fully understand the requirements we will have.

"The overall UK entry requirements are changing as the Covid situation changes both here and in other countries and we're expecting more information from government colleagues on April 12 in accordance with the governments roadmap.

"Our clear expectation is that, people travelling to Cornwall will need to adhere to the guidance as it stands at the time.

Q: What roads will be closed while the summit is on and how will it affect the local services i.e the GP surgery?

Russell Dawe: "We're working very closely with the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) and their traffic management company to work on the road closures that are a necessity for our security operation.

"We're in the planning stage of this and in order for a safe and secure operation to go ahead with world leaders there will be some requirement for road closures and there will be a level of disruption but we're trying to minimise that as much as we possibly can and our aim is to share that information with you in early May.

Q: Are D&C police anticipating any major protest and what are the precautions and deterrents that may be used to prevent these?

Jim Pearce: We are expecting protests as would be usual for an event of this size and impact.

"People protesting is a right within a democratic society and the police will facilitate peaceful protest.

"Protestors will generally be well organised and they will go to protest sites and we are working with a range of partners to identify where those sites may well be closer to the key venues.

"I do recognise, however, particularly in light of the incidents in Bristol that they may be some concern around violence and disorder and the types of disruption that we saw there which is not welcome within the county.

"We have a significant public order command which will have resources associated to them and they will do everything within their capabilities to not allow that to happen.

"Protest is a right within democratic society and so should it be, people should have a voice to share their views but it should be done in an organised and peaceful way."

Russell Dawe: If you are considering protesting, please engage with us, link in with D&C police and we will facilitate that process wherever possible.

Q: How will the summit benefit the Cornish economy other than tourism?

Phil Mason: "Cornwall is more than tourism, we've touched on the investment the government has made on Newquay airport, not just flights in or out, but hopefully to help us grow jobs and employment on our sites and our land around the airport.

"That investment itself will help us create jobs by encouraging business to locate there because we've created the capacity to do that."

"We hope that positioning and showcasing the products and offers of Cornwall on a world stage will boost businesses in a way in which they will be able to sell globally and get investment in."

Q: Will people who live near Carbis Bay Hotel have to move out during the summit?

Russell Dawe: "At the moment we're reviewing those premises that are close to the Carbis Bay Hotel.

"We can anticipate those that are directly at the site or really close, there will be a level of vetting and accreditation that's required in order to be in or very close to the secure perimeter.

"With regard to people being asked to move out of their homes, that's being reviewed but it's not something that we're approaching at the moment."

Q: How will we be able to drive to the supermarket for things like shopping for vulnerable people?

Phil Mason: "We have to look after everybody in Cornwall.

"It's difficult to give any specific generalisation, I'd say to people to get in touch with us and we'll work with you to help you."

Q: Where's the funding for the police coming from: C&D Police or central government?

Jim Pearce: "The government with this event does pay back D&C Police for the expenses and, to a certain extent, Cornwall Council as well, so I can reassure that this event will not come out of tax payers money within Cornwall.