Young calls on police to act 'sensibly' at fees demo

9th December 2010

Sir George Young has called on the police to act "sensibly" as students staged further protests in a final attempt to persuade MPs to vote against the planned rise in tuition fees.

Previous demonstrations have seen violence and damages to property alongside complaints over the use of "kettling" tactics by the Met.

During questions on forthcoming parliamentary business, the Commons leader said he was sure the police would take a responsible approach in managing today's march and rally in Westminster.

MPs are due to vote this evening on whether to treble the cap on tuition fees to £9,000.

Thousands of students from around the UK have gathered in London and have begun marching in the area surrounding the Houses of Parliament.

David Winnick (Lab, Walsall N) attacked the police for the kettling of peaceful protestors and claimed that if it happened today at the tuition fee protest he would expect a statement from the home secretary.

The member of the home affairs select committee had previously described a student protest, which resulted in disorder and injuries to police and members of the public, as "marvelous" in the Commons.

He said: "If those who are protesting today peacefully outside are being kettled in any way by the police without out any way in which they can use basic facilities, and being kettled for quite a long time, can I tell the Leader that we would expect a statement from the home secretary after the vote today to give an explanation to what has occurred."

In response, the Sir George said he would not get involved in the operational responsibilities of the Metropolitan Police.

He added: "I am sure they will discharge their responsibilities to the public sensibly today and keep public order outside Parliament."

Labour MP John Cryer joined Winnick's calls for a statement from the home secretary should any peaceful protestors be "kettled" during this afternoon's demonstration.

He said: "If peaceful protesters are kettled this afternoon, it frequently happens for six or eight hours or even longer, the Opposition will expect a statement from the home secretary."

Sir George replied: "I believe that the police will discharge their responsibilities in the correct way and ensure that any protest is peaceful."

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