SHOULD Mayor Joe Anderson be handed the right to ban far-right rallies from taking place in Liverpool, such as the weekend disturbances on St George’s Plateau?
The Mayor wants Home Secretary Theresa May to change the law to give him the ability to stop such events, such as the demo by the North West Infidels, from taking place.
Currently only the Home Secretary can prohibit marches and rallies, powers that are rarely used.
Mayor Anderson said: “As the city’s senior elected representative, I should have the final say on whether these marches should be allowed to take place, not the Home Secretary.”
“This isn’t about banning free speech, but about banning people who incite racial hatred and Nazi views," he added.
"These people have no place in this city. The Mayor and elected representatives should be able to stop such groups coming in. They are not here to air their views, but to cause violence and anti-social behaviour.
He described the scenes witnessed by many on Saturday as appalling, saying the trouble disrupted business and caused huge emotional upset to people visiting the city centre.
Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said policing the demonstration and counter-demonstration had cost the police £60,000. Officers from Manchester had to race to the city to give a helping hand to their Mersey counterparts.
A tweet from the North West Infidels on Friday, 24 hours ahead of their latest march on LiverpoolThe trouble is the right of demonstration is enshrined in law and regarded as one of the pinnacles of democracy.
Merseyside Police was aware, with short notice, that the North West Infidels were heading to Liverpool for the demonstration.
And while it is odds-on that trouble will flare when counter-demonstrators arrive, Article 11 of the Human Rights Act allows demonstrators to assemble.
While it is easy to see why far right groups should be banned, knowing a flashpoint will be created, giving powers to a mayor or a chief of police to impose a ban would be seen by civil liberty supporters as a step too far.
Who could lay down the rules of what is and what isn’t allowed? Could or would an event be banned because the Mayor didn't agree with it.
Commissioner Jane Kennedy, Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside said: “On Saturday, Merseyside Police acted at short notice to contain and prevent the North West Infidels from entering Liverpool City Centre.
“Enormous restraint was demonstrated by Merseyside Police as the extreme right wing group attracted a counter demonstration from local left wing groups and the police placed themselves in the middle.
“The cost to the taxpayer of the policing operation was in excess of £60,000.
“A police officer and a young woman member of the public were injured so severely that they required hospital treatment. This is deeply regrettable and I hope that both make a full and speedy recovery.
“It is not acceptable for any group to take the law into their own hands and use violence to make their point.
“Thirty four people were arrested and investigations are ongoing into the violence and disorder. I hope that Merseyside Police receive the fullest possible support and assistance from anyone who has evidence that will help bring those responsible to justice.”
