Your say / avon and somerset police
‘Where is the condemnation from Bristol’s leaders about the actions of the police?’
A new report says there were “significant failings” by the police during this year’s ‘kill the bill’ protests in Bristol, which “may amount to criminal offences”.
So why the silence from our local leaders? Where are they now? Where is the condemnation?
Most of our local leaders and politicians at the time instantly took sides with the police, no balance or neutrality, not providing at least one critique of their handling.
is needed now More than ever
What is the term some politicians like to use when they support something?
Oh yeah, ‘unequivocally’. “I unequivocally support… blah blah.”
Former Tory councillor and lord mayor Alastair Watson liked to use that one during his recent mayoral campaign.
All the Bristol mayor candidates across the political spectrum blindly followed suit.
Re-elected mayor Marvin Rees said after the third ‘kill the bill’ protests that Avon & Somerset Police “have shown they are capable of managing protests well and with sensitivity”.
This is despite all of the video footage, images and admission of police lies, violence and intimidation.
In effect, Rees and others threw their own citizens – the people who they are supposed to represent – under the bus when push came to shove.
In my opinion, most of Bristol’s political leaders showed their true colours or plain naivety.
Next time, how about not to comment, or state that you will say something when you have all information as events unfold?
Stop playing up to the 24-hour news cycle and instant need to update on social media.
Some councillors and candidates at the time did try to be balanced, including Labour councillors, Lib Dem West of England mayor candidate Stephen Williams and Green police & crime commissioner candidate Cleo Lake, who called for an independent inquiry into the policing of the protests.
This showed some restraint in the need to quickly have an uninformed opinion.
But they were in the clear minority.
It was also made out that the more violent protesters were “outside agitators”. However, most who have been charged so far with riot have Bristol home addresses.
Police horses and protesters on Bridwell Street on the evening of March 21 – photo: Martin Booth
So where did this come from? Why have both police and politicians said something which they have no idea to be true or not?
I have close friends who are part of the police force and I believe that most officers join with good intentions. Their job is far from easy and they constantly have to walk a tightrope.
But as with any organisation or company, there is always room for improvement.
Marcus Smith is a presenter on BCfm Radio, regularly hosting the One Love Breakfast on Mondays. Follow him on Twitter at @mnrsmith
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Independent report on Bristol violence says police may have acted illegally
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