More than 300 arrested at Extinction Rebellion protests in London
Police cells filling rapidly, with reports of people being taken to Luton, Brighton and Essex
There have been more than 300 arrests linked to the Extinction Rebellion protests across London and reports suggest the capital’s cells are rapidly filling up.
The Metropolitan police would not release up-to-date figures on cell capacity, but data from two years ago showed they had 799 cells available across London. With cuts to policing budgets, this number is likely to have fallen, so reports that cell space is under pressure are credible.
Extinction Rebellion protesters, activists and legal observers have told Guardian reporters some of those arrested are being taken to police stations outside London, with several saying demonstrators are being taken to Luton, while others mentioned Brighton and Essex.
The Met would not confirm or deny the claim. “Those who have been arrested are being taken to MPS custody suites throughout London,” a spokesperson said. “Contingency plans are in place should custody suites become full. We will not discuss [the matter] further for operational reasons.”
However, despite the volume of arrests, anecdotal evidence from those on the ground suggests the police are approaching the protests with a distinctly lighter touch. One legal observer said the diminishing capacity might be a reason why police were arresting people so slowly. “The other thing is that if they come in and do a mass arrest, they might lose public support,” she added.
https://www.theguardian.com/environm...n-london-cells
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