Unprecedented pressure on the police

Monday, 20 April 2009 11:34 AM

By politics.co.uk staff

The Met is under unprecedented pressure today, as the full political ramifications of G20 policing begin to hit home.

Nick Hardwick, head of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will face MPs on the home affairs committee on Tuesday, followed by the chief inspector of constabulary, Denis O'Connor.

A small rearguard defence against the growing avalanche of criticism was made this morning by Sir Ken Jones, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo).

He told the Today programme: "I can't find any other country which doesn't use water cannon, CS gas, rubber bullets. Our approach is proportionate and, in fact, has delivered on many other occasions."

The IPCC has received almost 90 complaints relating to the protests. Over the weekend, a third video of what appears to be an unprovoked attack against a demonstrator triggered a new inquiry.

This morning, news surfaced of communication between the government and E.ON, an energy company, concerning the movements and plans of environmental demonstrators.

Civil servants sent emails to security officials at the company sharing intelligence about the demonstrators.

The emails emerged after a freedom of information request by the Liberal Democrats.

David Howarth MP, who obtained the emails, said: "It is as though BERR [the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform] was treating the police as an extension of E.ON's private security operation.

"The question is how did that [police] intelligence get to BERR? Did it come via the Home Office or straight from police? And once they'd got this intelligence, what did they do with it?"

Serious about politics?

City University London

Dedicate one year of your life to getting to the heart of current issues in global politics. Our courses allow you to specialise in development and policy-making, international relations, and political journalism and communications.

Special event coverage

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: Celebrating the Social Sciences

Evidence-based policy should not be a radical concept. It needs to be celebrated.

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: 2 languages: 2 brains, 2 minds, 2 cultures?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences, the Deafness Cognition And Language Research Centre (DCAL) hosted an event exploring the powerful benefits of bilingualism in spoken and sign languages, for hearing and deaf people alike - benefits that reach hearing and deaf people alike.

Opinion Former Events

NHF: Leaders’ Forum and Exhibition 2012

This flagship event is a forum for chief executives and chairs of the housing sector to network with each other and learn from a range of high-profile and inspirational speakers from media, political and housing backgrounds. It takes place in Park Plaza Victoria, London.

TACT: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): how to support affected children

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an incurable lifelong condition arising from brain damage caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The effects may include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities. However, if diagnosed, the right strategies can transform the lives of those affected. This new Guardian Social Care Network half-day seminar in association with TACT Fostering and Adoption will explain the condition and show what can be done to help.

bpas: Abortion in the US: Popularity, Politics and Practice

We often hear of the ‘Americanisation’ of abortion politics in the UK, but unpicking the substantive threats to women’s reproductive rights in the US can be a challenge. The 2012 bpas public lecture will explore the current state of abortion politics in the US and, at a time when abortion appears increasingly politicised in the UK, reflect on what lessons can be drawn by those keen to protect women’s reproductive autonomy elsewhere.

Cogent SSC: UK Nuclear Skills Awards - 22nd March 2012

The UK Nuclear Awards is steadily becoming an anticipated annual event in the Nuclear calendar. The National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council are preparing to hold their fourth collaborative Skills Awards Evening for the industry.

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition and Conference

This one-day event is targeted at professionals operating in the information destruction industry, and aims at keeping delegates updated on recent developments in their sector, providing an opportunity to network with fellow professionals, whilst offering access to an informative exhibition and a comprehensive conference programme.

Take the Gold Challenge for St Dunstan's

We provide lifelong support for blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. You can help give more blind heroes an independent future by taking the Gold Challenge

Newsletter sign up

By signing-up you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

Unsubscribe