Met: Response 'proportionate and appropriate'

The Metropolitan police releases a statement on its response to the student protests which turned violent yesterday:

"During the planning stage and throughout, we have been working closely with the NUS and their event planning company. We have developed our response plan on the basis of that information, and that was to respond to a peaceful protest.

"Sadly on the day a small minority of protestors have taken it upon themselves to cause damage to property, whilst the vast majority have peacefully made their point. Additional officers have arrived at Millbank Tower to deal with the situation.

"Our response will continue to be proportionate and appropriate to the situation. Eight people have been taken to various London hospitals suffering minor injuries. This number includes both protestors and police officers; no further details available."

Political news to your inbox

Fill in your details to receive Politics.co.uk's brand of informed, in-depth and independent coverage of Westminster to your inbox

Hot topics

Britain's great energy debate

How the power gets to Britain's homes in the next century remains a matter of deep controversy

As the next general election begins to loom over the horizon, the debate over Britain's future energy policy mix is starting to hot up - and nothing seems guaranteed.

The Heathrow third runway debate

Heathrow's third runway is just one of many options

There won't be a final decision on Britain's long-term aviation strategy until after the 2015 general election - but an aggressive national debate is already underway.

Opinion Former Events

MRSA Action UK Annual Memorial Event

Families will pay tribute and remember those lost to MRSA and healthcare associated infections at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 13th June 2013

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition & Conference 2013

Following the great success of the BSIA's Information Destruction Conference and Exhibition in May 2012, we are pleased to annouce that the event is returning again in June 2013. This one-day conference and exhibition is aimed at key decision makers in organisations that carry out the secure destruction of confidential material.