Hampshire police commissioner hits back at Suella Braverman’s “two-tier policing” claim over Gosport protest
Braverman questioned the police’s use of dispersal orders
Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner has hit back at claims by MP Suella Braverman that Gosport residents were subject to "two-tier policing" during the anti-migrant protest on October 4.
Donna Jones told the former Home Secretary in a letter dated October 16 that the dispersal powers used are "regularly used policing powers, not exceptional measures".
Her response follows an open letter from Mrs Braverman, MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, which demanded that Hampshire Constabulary publish the “intelligence and risk assessment” behind the dispersal measures put in place across Gosport ahead of the arrival of migrant boats at Fort Blockhouse.
Mrs Jones said in her letter: “You are only too aware, having been the Home Secretary during one of the worst periods of uncontrolled immigration the UK has seen, the high levels of illegal immigrants arriving into the UK and the consternation that your failure caused.
“I am a strong supporter of people’s right to peaceful protest, including to send a clear message to the government, in this case, regarding the uncontrolled illegal immigration into this country.
“I hope, as a local Member of Parliament, you support the use of limited, lawful policing powers to protect local people, local homes and businesses from harm and disorder. Residents should be able to expect the police to take appropriate preventative action, just as they should be able to expect their rights to be respected.
“My office has been contacted by residents who are genuinely frightened in their own homes. Their concerns deserve consideration.
“In discussing the rights of those wishing to protest, we must not overlook the rights of those who live and work nearby to feel safe and to go about their lives without fear or intimidation.”
“The behaviours of some, including in Gosport in Sunday 4th October, were criminal, frightening and warranted police investigation and criminal charges being brought. Police report flares being set off and criminal damage.
“The escalation from some, meant it went from protest to committing serious offences. The police have a responsibility both to facilitate peaceful protest and to respond to risks to public safety.”
She also pointed out that dispersal orders were put in place during last weekend’s South Coast Derby and that Hampshire and Isle of Wight police had used Section 34 dispersal authorisations on 383 occasions from January to October.
Mrs Jones told Mrs Braverman that “the appropriate legal routes are available” should she wish to challenge the lawfulness of the measures, adding that she would “consider carefully any implications for my oversight of the force”.