Government officials have raised concerns over why existing laws targeting mask-wearing at protests were not enforced after far-right groups, many wearing masks, staged demonstrations over the weekend. Police forces in Kent and Hampshire admitted they were caught off guard by large gatherings opposing small boat immigration, despite prior warnings of potential unrest. The Home Office has reportedly demanded improved intelligence-sharing to prevent future disruptions, following what officials describe as a failure to anticipate the scale of the protests. Questions are now being asked about both police preparedness and the effectiveness of current protest regulations.
Whitehall officials also ask why laws meant to clamp down on the wearing of masks at demonstrations were not usedPolice have been told by the government they expect better intelligence gathering after masked far-right groups took to the streets at the weekend, the Guardian has learned, as the Kent force admitted mishandling warnings of potential trouble.Police in Kent on Saturday and then Portsmouth, Hampshire, on Sunday said they were taken by surprise when hundreds massed to oppose what they say is illegal immigration via small boats. Continue reading...
