CROWD CONTROL TECHNIQUES

Early day motion 1601, tabled 8 June 2009 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 33 members.

That this House is concerned at the increased use of the kettle technique by police when managing large protests; notes that the kettle technique involves penning people into a confined area surrounded by riot police; further notes the use of the kettle technique during the recent protests around the G20 Summit; recognises that many innocent protesters are trapped within these pens for hours at a time; believes that preventing people from leaving the kettle, denying people access to food, water and toilet facilities, and using force to keep people in the kettle is wrong; is further concerned that the right to protest peacefully is being curtailed by the use of the kettle technique; and calls on the Government to take steps to protect the right of people to peacefully protest, whatever the outcome of current inquiries into the protests around the G20 Summit.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 6, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1.