Night Stars Arrested: London Volunteers Detained in Coronation Protests Crackdown: London night safety volunteers, working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, were unexpectedly detained during a recent crackdown on coronation protests.
Suzie Melvin, a member of the Night Stars program, addressed a committee of MPs, recounting her personal ordeal of being arrested and held in custody for several hours.
Despite wearing hi-vis vests prominently displaying the police logo and attempting to explain their role to officers, Melvin, and her two colleagues were taken into custody after reports suggested they were distributing rape alarms to incite disruption.
The Night Stars program, initiated by Westminster City Council, aims to assist vulnerable individuals during evening hours and ensure their safety while enjoying a night out.
The incident, occurring prior to the coronation event, has raised concerns among volunteers about potential deterrent effects on future participation within the organization.
In response to the public outcry surrounding the arrests made during the coronation, the Commons committee has launched an inquiry into the actions of the police force. A total of 64 individuals were taken into custody, including 13 for the prevention of breaching the peace.
One man was detained for possessing an unused megaphone, which the police believed could startle horses. While the Metropolitan Police defended their actions, asserting that they operated proportionately within the context of the large-scale event, they later expressed regret for accusing six protesters who were ultimately released without charge.
Critics attribute the increase in police powers during the coronation to the recent implementation of the Public Order Act, a law passed by the government just days before the event.
Under this legislation, officers are granted the authority to stop and search individuals suspected of planning disruptive activities, as well as criminalizing the act of “locking on.” The Home Office reportedly issued strict instructions to crack down on protests, leading to speculation of potential political pressure on the police force.
During the committee hearing, Suzie Melvin shared her firsthand experience at the request of Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson, who chaired the session. Melvin described how the team of three volunteers began their patrol at 7 pm, monitoring areas such as Soho, Leicester Square, and the Embankment.
The incident involving the Night Stars volunteers has highlighted the need for greater clarity and understanding between law enforcement and community organizations.
It serves as a reminder that even with official identification and partnership arrangements, misconceptions can arise, resulting in unintended consequences for well-intentioned individuals. The ongoing inquiry by the Commons committee aims to address these concerns and shed light on the police activities surrounding the coronation.
Public Outcry and Political Speculation Surrounding the Coronation Protests
The controversial arrests made during the coronation event have sparked public outrage and speculation regarding potential political motivations behind the police crackdown. While Assistant Commissioner of the Met, Matt Twist, emphasized the force’s commitment to operational independence, critics continue to question the balance between public safety and the right to protest. The interruption of the committee hearing by protesters further underscored the contentious nature of the issue, leaving MPs exasperated.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on clarifying the events leading to the detention of the Night Stars volunteers and ensuring that similar incidents are avoided in the future. The outcome of the inquiry will have implications for the relationship between law enforcement and community organizations, highlighting the importance of effective communication and understanding in maintaining a peaceful and inclusive society.
