Mr. Drew Harris:

Yes, if clarity were provided, but this is a very complex area. There are competing rights around the ability to assemble in any society. Obviously, there are competing rights in terms of other members of the public going about their business legitimately. There is also then prevention of crime and disorder. Clarity in respect of that would be welcome. At the same time, we have our own decision-making model which is informed by a code of ethics. There are gold, silver and bronze public order commanders. Public order units are fully au faitwith the law in respect of this.

I will make a small point on the use of batons and the public order units. These units are supplied with a medium-sized shield. It is part of their training to have that shield in two hands so that they have full control of it. If you are going to use a baton with that shield, there is always a danger that you have opened a door on yourself. With the shield in front of you, you are very susceptible to attack. I know what people envisage and how it looks might be different, but the tactics were properly deployed. In my opinion they were well deployed by the public order units. I want to further enhance that.