Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Home Affairs: City protest: talks rejected

Dominic Hayes,Jackie Storer
Monday 21 June 1999 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

ORGANISERS OF the demonstration which led to the disturbances in the City of London on Friday rebuffed attempts by police to discuss arrangements, Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, told the Commons today.

Mr Straw said "the wholly deplorable outbreak of violence" had been "plainly premeditated". He called the organisers' refusal to discuss the event with police "wholly irresponsible".

Mr Straw refused to give details about what intelligence police had about the organisers but said the demonstration had been discussed during monthly meetings between ministers and London police chiefs.

Ann Widdecombe, the Shadow home secretary, challenged Mr Straw on police numbers, saying the City of London Police had suffered a 7 per cent fall in strength since May 1997.

Mr Straw said that he had met with the force's commissioner, Perry Nove, this morning who had "authorised" him to say that the issue of police numbers was a "red herring".Mr Straw said the commissioner had told him he "had all the police that he needed".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in