The pulling down of the statue of Colston in Bristol yesterday was a shocking example of what can happen when the police effectively surrender control of our streets. This must never happen again in Avon and Somerset. People in towns and parishes across our region must all feel safe and not threatened by the possibility of rampaging mobs who destroy any or all public property to which they object.
Demonstrations are part of a democratic society. But so too is respecting the democratic process. The way to deal with a statue of someone you disapprove of is to campaign for its removal, not take the law into your own hands. That way leads to utter lawlessness.
What we saw yesterday in Bristol was the wanton, unlawful destruction of public property, and this cannot be tolerated. The perpetrators should be found and prosecuted.
What was especially appalling to many who have contacted me about this was the way the police stood by, even as the protestors fitted ropes, pulleys and grappling hooks to pull the statue down. I understand that part of the problem is police officers on the ground are fearful of not being supported by senior officers, or by the local political leaders. It is dreadful frontline police officers feel they are in this position. Many have contacted me to say how upset and frustrated they are.
Yesterday, tactical decision-making on the ground by senior police was poor, and leadership from the middle to the top of the police was weak. There needs to be a complete overhaul of how these types of events are policed, or many people in Avon & Somerset will start to lose faith in the ability of the police leadership to deliver what is needed: safe, secure, law-abiding communities.
It is also important the Police and Crime Commissioner is seen to perform her role with vigour – paramount in which is holding the Chief Constable to account. The question the people in the Avon and Somerset will be asking today is: what steps are being taken to prevent this type of wanton destruction of public property ever happening again; and what is being done to rapidly bring the perpetrators of this criminal act to justice?
If we decide to just sit back and relinquish the rule of law puts, it will put us on a very slippery slope indeed.
