Metropolitan Police: Operational Independence Debate

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Department: Home Office

Metropolitan Police: Operational Independence

Rachel Hopkins Excerpts
Thursday 9th November 2023

(6 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

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Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp
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It is up to the police to apply the law. It is important that the police apply the law even-handedly, and that is what I am sure all Members of the House want them to do.

Rachel Hopkins Portrait Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab)
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Words matter, so in the Home Secretary’s absence, can the Minister explain in what way protest marches in the UK relating to Israel and Gaza are “disturbingly reminiscent of Ulster”, and does he agree?

Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp
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That is not directly germane to the protests on Saturday. We have seen all kinds of protests in Ulster over the years—dissident Republicans among others. What we need to do is ensure that London’s streets are safe, and that we do not have an atmosphere of fear or intimidation, and that is what we expect the police to deliver.