Questions to the Authority

Report: 6d
Date: 30 April 2009
By: Chief Executive

Summary

Members are requested, in accordance with the Authority’s Standing Orders, to hear questions from Andrew May. The Chief Executive’s response on behalf of the Authority is included in this report.

A. Recommendation

That the Authority hear the question set out below and responds in accordance with Standing Orders 2.7.

B. Supporting information

1. The following questions a have been received from Mr Andrew May.

1. Why were many police at the G20 demonstrations not wearing shoulder ID or deliberately concealing ID when categorical assurances had been made by Silver star commander to MP's that this would not happen?
2. Will there be a wider independent investigation into allegations of systematic use of excessive force by police against individual protestors.
3. Will there be a broader review into policing strategy at protests in general, in additional to the review of policing at the G20 protests?
4. Will the chair of the MPA meet with Defend Peaceful Protest and other groups who were at the G20 protests to ensure that any review of the tactics deployed at the G20 includes the experiences of the protestors themselves?

2. Standing Order 2.7 sets out the process for receiving questions at Authority meetings, this is given at Appendix 1.

3. The Chief Executive’s response to Mr May’s questions is as follows:

‘I would like to thank Mr May for these questions. I will give a brief response on behalf of the Authority but these issues will be explored in much greater depth in the report and member debate on the policing of G20 that follows. I am pleased to see that the group of which Mr May is a member is called ‘Defend Peaceful Protest’ – that is a principle to which both the MPA and the MPS are also committed.

"Public trust in policing is essential and the Metropolitan Police have a reputation second to none in how they facilitate peaceful and lawful protest during the dozens of demonstrations during the year. However, where there are concerns, as is the case with the G20 demonstrations, immediate action is required to ensure that the police are held accountable, individually and corporately. This I believe the Commissioner has done in referring individual cases to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and in asking Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to review the policing of public protest, including the tactics used in the policing of the G20 demonstrations.

"With regard to Mr May’s four questions: I will ask the Temporary Deputy Commissioner to respond to the issue about identifying numbers on officers’ shoulders, when he introduces his report. The issue of force used against individual protestors is a matter that the Independent Police Complaints Commission is currently investigating and it would be premature to anticipate the outcome of those investigations. And as I mentioned just now, the HMIC review will be assessing the effectiveness and impact of current public order tactics.

"Finally, Mr May asks that the MPA’s chair meet with Defend Peaceful Protest and other groups who were at G20. I suggest that, in the first instance, I should explore with the Commissioner and the Chief Inspector of Constabulary what scope there might be to hear directly from Defend Peaceful Protest as part of the review’.

C. Race and equality impact

None related to the process of receiving questions from the public.

D. Financial implications

None

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author(s): Nick Baker

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

Appendix 1

2.7 Questions from the public at Authority meetings

2.7.1 Members of the public, who live or work in the Metropolitan Police District may ask questions of the Authority, which are relevant to its business, functions or responsibilities. The Chief Executive must receive the question in writing not less than ten working days before a meeting of the Authority.

2.7.2 A person may not ask more than two questions in a rolling 12 month period.

2.7.3 The Chief Executive of the Authority will, in discussion with the Chairman of the Authority or in his or her absence the Vice Chairman of the Authority, have the discretion to refuse a question. In this event, the Chief Executive shall respond in writing to the questioner outlining the reason(s) for this decision. This letter will be copied to all members, before the Authority meeting. Without fettering that discretion, reasons why a question may not be accepted include the following:

1. The reasons set out in 2.6.3 above;
2.  The question cannot be answered satisfactorily without the disclosure of exempt information (as defined in the Access to Information or Freedom of Information legislation);
3.  In the Chief Executive's opinion, the question has already been answered by another means and contains no issues of wider public interest that require a public answer;
4.  The question actually contains a number of different questions, in which case the Chief Executive will ask for an amended question to be submitted; and
5.  The question is similar to, or on a similar theme to, a question asked by someone else in the preceding three months.

2.7.4 Any question(s) shall be included on the agenda for the meeting, in the order of receipt and must be addressed to the Chairman. The Chairman will then invite the Chief Executive to respond, orally or in writing, on behalf of the Authority. Following the Chief Executive’s response, the person asking the question may speak further for no more than three minutes. Members may also comment on or discuss the issues raised by the question and answer.

2.7.5 The person asking the question can attend the meeting to put the question. If they are not present, the answer as reported to the Authority shall be sent to them following the meeting. If the person asking the question needs some clarification in relation to the answer, this will be given by the Chief Executive or appropriate officer, in person or in writing, within ten working days of clarification being sought.

2.7.6 The Chairman may use discretion to limit the number of questions asked by members of the public in order to avoid the business of the Authority being disrupted. In any event, no more than 30 minutes will be allowed for public questions and answers. Any questions that remain unanswered within the timescale shall receive written responses only.

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