Boris Johnson has said that this weekend’s anti-racism protests have been "subverted by thuggery" following clashes between some protestors and the police. The prime minister continued that he believed individuals had the right to protest, however, that the violence had been a “betrayal” of the cause.
At the weekend, thousands attended demonstrations across the UK, which were by and large peaceful. In London, eight police officers were injured, and 12 people were arrested. The majority of these were for public order offences, and one for criminal damage.
Johnson Tweeted that: "People have a right to protest peacefully & while observing social distancing but they have no right to attack the police. These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery - and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve. Those responsible will be held to account."
According to Paulette Simpson, director of The Voice newspaper, the violence was regretful, however, it had not hijacked the protests as suggested by the prime minister. She stated that people had a "legitimate right" to protest issues which had "reached boiling point".
She said: "We know that you're angry, we know that you're in pain, we know that the you feel there's no other route to express yourself." She continued, asking why statues and street names that “remind us of a very dark place in history” are still exhibited, asking the government to “listen” to calls for their removal.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has said that the removal of the Edward Colston, a 17th century slave trader, in Bristol, is "utterly disgraceful".
According to Jo Edwards, Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, said that the "predominantly peaceful protest" in London were disrupted by "scenes of violence and disorder" which she deemed "entirely unacceptable".
