Protestors in Cornwall have been urged by police to link up with them if they're planning on attending protests around the G7 summit.
In a live Q&A held on Facebook last night (March 25) Devon and Cornwall Police urged that anyone planning to protest or organise any direct action to get in touch so as they could work with them.
One of the questions submitted during the Q&A asked whether Devon and Cornwall Police were expecting any major protests and, if so, what are the precautions and deterrents that may be used to prevent these, Jim Pearce, Chief Superintendent and Cornwall Commander, said:"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.
"The protestors will generally be well organised and they will go to protest sites and we are, at this time, 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 that happened in Bristol over the weekend (March 21) that they may be some concern around violence and disorder and the types of disruption that we saw there which is just totally unacceptable not welcome within the county.
Read Next:
"We have a significant and well skilled public order command which will have resources associated to them and they will do everything within their capabilities to not allow that to happen.
"I really am confident that that will be the case.
"Protest is a right within democratic society and so should it be, people should be allowed to have a voice to share their views but it should be done in an organised and peaceful way."
Chief Inspector Russell Dawe, who is also Lead Planner for G7 policing and security was also present at the Q&A and said: "Wherever possible we'll facilitate peaceful protest, peaceful, lawful protest.
"But what we can't allow is protest that places the protestors themselves or the public or our communities at any risk.
"Please engage with us, If you are considering protesting, please engage with us, link in with D&C police and we'll support you and we will facilitate that process wherever possible.
"That would be my plea to all the groups out there.
"Engage with us at an early stage and we'll be there to help facilitate."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel