5 May 2012
This afternoon’s protest in Luton involving the English Defence League and a counter protest organised by Unite Against Facism and others under the collective banner of ‘We are Luton’ has concluded peacefully.
The combined operation by Bedfordshire Police and Luton Borough Council enabled the town centre to remain protest free in order to allow the community and businesses to operate as normally as possible. Bury Park, a key neighbourhood in the town, also reported ‘business as usual’ during the day.
Two people were arrested during the policing operation for minor public order offences and remain in police custody. One was an EDL supporter and the other from the ‘We are Luton’ group.
The policing operation was mounted with the assistance of officers from around 20 police forces. The protestors themselves are thought to have numbered possibly up to 3000 for the EDL and around 1000 ‘We are Luton’ although these are not confirmed.
Isolated incidents of minor disorder occurred when a handful of smoke flares were set off and bottles were thrown towards officers policing the EDL protest, prompting them to put on their protective clothing as a precautionary measure. During the counter ‘We are Luton’ protest some of the group tried to move away from the main march but were pushed back by mounted officers. No further issues were reported.
Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service assisted six patients, four were generally unwell and two were injured by accident. Four have had hospital treatment.
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Richer, who led the operation said: “Over all the policing of these protests has been a resounding success and is testament to everyone involved including the community themselves and our partners. It is disappointing that we saw disorder from some members of Unite Against Fascism, who were part of the ‘We are Luton’ march, who attempted to break out of the agreed protest route. This shows policing of these events is justified as there is such a large area to protect.”
“The policing operation has been in the planning for weeks and the professionalism of the officers was borne out today. We were assisted by 20 forces and it’s a great example of how forces can work together in difficult circumstances.”
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the planning and execution of the operation, all our partner agencies and in particular the community mediators who volunteered to help us communicate. Their involvement really made a difference. I am confident the town is now back to normal and disruption has been minimised.”
Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council, said: “I’d like to thank Bedfordshire Police, all the staff at the Council and everyone in the community for coming together and again facilitating a peaceful day in Luton.”
“I was very disappointed that the EDL chose to come to Luton again today so soon after their previous protest in February last year which caused large scale disruption to the people of the town and loss of trade for its businesses.”
“The decision to keep St George’s Square free today for residents to use has proved to be exactly right. The atmosphere in Luton town centre has been positive and relaxed today and people have been able to come into The Mall and also into Bury Park and do their shopping and go about their normal daily business.”
“Initial reports from businesses are that it has been worth staying open today although of course trade was not as brisk as it would normally be. I’d like to thank all the stores for their support. We’ll be talking to everyone over the coming days and weeks to assess the full impact. Work has already well underway to get the town back to normal.
Cllr Simmons continued: “Again, I would like to stress that what happened in town today does not represent the real Luton. The Luton I know is a town where people get along well together, celebrate our diversity and work together to overcome challenges.”
“Now we can get back to planning an exciting summer in Luton, when we will be welcoming the Olympic Torch Relay and hosting the fabulous Love Luton Festival, with top artists performing in our town and our Mela and Carnival for everyone to enjoy. That will be our opportunity to show the country what Luton is really about.”
All roads that were affected by the policing operation are now open and the town is returning to normal.
Policing of Luton Protests a Success
This afternoon’s protest in Luton involving the English Defence League and a counter protest organised by Unite Against Facism and others under the collective banner of ‘We are Luton’ has concluded peacefully.
The combined operation by Bedfordshire Police and Luton Borough Council enabled the town centre to remain protest free in order to allow the community and businesses to operate as normally as possible. Bury Park, a key neighbourhood in the town, also reported ‘business as usual’ during the day.
Two people were arrested during the policing operation for minor public order offences and remain in police custody. One was an EDL supporter and the other from the ‘We are Luton’ group.
The policing operation was mounted with the assistance of officers from around 20 police forces. The protestors themselves are thought to have numbered possibly up to 3000 for the EDL and around 1000 ‘We are Luton’ although these are not confirmed.
Isolated incidents of minor disorder occurred when a handful of smoke flares were set off and bottles were thrown towards officers policing the EDL protest, prompting them to put on their protective clothing as a precautionary measure. During the counter ‘We are Luton’ protest some of the group tried to move away from the main march but were pushed back by mounted officers. No further issues were reported.
Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service assisted six patients, four were generally unwell and two were injured by accident. Four have had hospital treatment.
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Richer, who led the operation said: “Over all the policing of these protests has been a resounding success and is testament to everyone involved including the community themselves and our partners. It is disappointing that we saw disorder from some members of Unite Against Fascism, who were part of the ‘We are Luton’ march, who attempted to break out of the agreed protest route. This shows policing of these events is justified as there is such a large area to protect.”
“The policing operation has been in the planning for weeks and the professionalism of the officers was borne out today. We were assisted by 20 forces and it’s a great example of how forces can work together in difficult circumstances.”
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the planning and execution of the operation, all our partner agencies and in particular the community mediators who volunteered to help us communicate. Their involvement really made a difference. I am confident the town is now back to normal and disruption has been minimised.”
Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council, said: “I’d like to thank Bedfordshire Police, all the staff at the Council and everyone in the community for coming together and again facilitating a peaceful day in Luton.”
“I was very disappointed that the EDL chose to come to Luton again today so soon after their previous protest in February last year which caused large scale disruption to the people of the town and loss of trade for its businesses.”
“The decision to keep St George’s Square free today for residents to use has proved to be exactly right. The atmosphere in Luton town centre has been positive and relaxed today and people have been able to come into The Mall and also into Bury Park and do their shopping and go about their normal daily business.”
“Initial reports from businesses are that it has been worth staying open today although of course trade was not as brisk as it would normally be. I’d like to thank all the stores for their support. We’ll be talking to everyone over the coming days and weeks to assess the full impact. Work has already well underway to get the town back to normal.
Cllr Simmons continued: “Again, I would like to stress that what happened in town today does not represent the real Luton. The Luton I know is a town where people get along well together, celebrate our diversity and work together to overcome challenges.”
“Now we can get back to planning an exciting summer in Luton, when we will be welcoming the Olympic Torch Relay and hosting the fabulous Love Luton Festival, with top artists performing in our town and our Mela and Carnival for everyone to enjoy. That will be our opportunity to show the country what Luton is really about.”
All roads that were affected by the policing operation are now open and the town is returning to normal.
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