Stewart Perrie
Published 20:32, 14 March 2021
UK police have been accused of having a double standard when dealing with massive crowds.
Many gathered in London's Clapham Common over the weekend to protest the kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard.
The 33-year-old was on her way home from seeing a friend in Clapham when she was abducted and eventually killed.
Her death has sparked a wave of fury across the UK, with many women saying they are sick of feeling unsafe. They're also sick of being told how to avoid being a target and insist the blame rests on the perpetrators of these crimes.
Protest group Reclaim These Streets had initially planned for a vigil to take place on Clapham Common, but were told by police the event would be unsafe in light of current coronavirus restrictions.
Nevertheless, a large number of people gathered anyway to mourn Everard's passing.
Credit: PA
Credit: PA
In footage from the gathering, the crowd could be heard chanting 'shame on you' as police tried to disperse attendees.
Officers were seen pushing and shoving some of the people and an image of a woman being placed on her stomach and arrested has gone viral on social media.
Home Secretary Priti Patel wrote: "Some of the footage circulating online from the vigil in Clapham is upsetting. I have asked the Metropolitan Police for a full report on what happened."
London's Mayor Saqid Khan added: "The scenes from Clapham Common are unacceptable. The police have a responsibility to enforce Covid laws but from images I've seen it's clear the response was at times neither appropriate nor proportionate. I'm contact with the Commissioner & urgently seeking an explanation.
The head of Scotland Yard, Cressida Dick, says she will not resign as a result of the police handling of the vigil.
Commissioner Dick was under pressure to make a statement about her future, however she has chosen to remain in the top job.
"What has happened makes me more determined, not less, to lead my organisation," she said. "I'm entirely focused on growing the Met to be even stronger."
The event is in stark contrast to the way police in addressed football fans descending on Ibrox Stadium and George Square in Glasgow city centre a week before to celebrate the Rangers' Scottish title win.
Fans were seen lighting flares, marching through the streets and leaving rubbish in several areas
In footage from the gathering, the crowd could be heard chanting 'shame on you' as police tried to disperse attendees.
Officers were seen pushing and shoving some of the people and an image of a woman being placed on her stomach and arrested has gone viral on social media.
Home Secretary Priti Patel wrote: "Some of the footage circulating online from the vigil in Clapham is upsetting. I have asked the Metropolitan Police for a full report on what happened."
London's Mayor Saqid Khan added: "The scenes from Clapham Common are unacceptable. The police have a responsibility to enforce Covid laws but from images I've seen it's clear the response was at times neither appropriate nor proportionate. I'm contact with the Commissioner & urgently seeking an explanation.
The head of Scotland Yard, Cressida Dick, says she will not resign as a result of the police handling of the vigil.
Commissioner Dick was under pressure to make a statement about her future, however she has chosen to remain in the top job.
"What has happened makes me more determined, not less, to lead my organisation," she said. "I'm entirely focused on growing the Met to be even stronger."
The event is in stark contrast to the way police in addressed football fans descending on Ibrox Stadium and George Square in Glasgow city centre a week before to celebrate the Rangers' Scottish title win.
Fans were seen lighting flares, marching through the streets and leaving rubbish in several areas
.
Credit: PA
Credit: PA
Credit: PA
There were 28 arrests during those celebrations, with some people being detained for assaulting police.
Police Scotland's deputy chief constable, Malcolm Graham, said the behaviour after the win was 'disgraceful' and he 'utterly condemn[ed] the individuals who chose to completely disregard the coronavirus regulations'.
Another rally was held in London yesterday (March 14) to honour the death of Sarah Everard as well as criticise the police handling of her vigil the night before.
Clips shared on social media showed protestors chanting, 'shame on you' others held placards with phrases such as 'We will not be silenced' and 'End sexist, racist state violence'.
Former Metropolitan Police Officer Wayne Couzens has been charged with Everard's kidnap and murder.
There were 28 arrests during those celebrations, with some people being detained for assaulting police.
Police Scotland's deputy chief constable, Malcolm Graham, said the behaviour after the win was 'disgraceful' and he 'utterly condemn[ed] the individuals who chose to completely disregard the coronavirus regulations'.
Another rally was held in London yesterday (March 14) to honour the death of Sarah Everard as well as criticise the police handling of her vigil the night before.
Clips shared on social media showed protestors chanting, 'shame on you' others held placards with phrases such as 'We will not be silenced' and 'End sexist, racist state violence'.
Former Metropolitan Police Officer Wayne Couzens has been charged with Everard's kidnap and murder.
Judge Refuses To Intervene After Met Police Ban Sarah Everard Vigil
Claire Reid
Published 12 March 2021
A judge has refused to intervene over a dispute over police allowing a vigil for Sarah Everard on Saturday.
Reclaim the Streets launched a legal challenge after the Metropolitan Police banned the event, due to be held at Clapham Common on Saturday.
Met Police say the vigil can't go ahead because of coronavirus restrictions, but Reclaim the Streets argue that there is 'right to protest'.
Mr Justice Holgate has refused the application, ruling that 'the requirements of the law have been clearly stated' in previous court rulings.
According to Sky News, Met Police at first gave a 'positive response' to the plans, but then later changed their mind and said it couldn't go ahead due to current lockdown restrictions.
Organisers of the vigil asked the High Court to make an 'interim declaration' that any ban on outdoor gatherings under covid regulations is 'subject to the right to protest'.
But today, the judge refused to make the declaration that the alleged policy by the Met Police of 'prohibiting all protests, irrespective of the specific circumstances' is unlawful.
Speaking ahead of the ruling, Justice Holgate said: "All of us appreciate the tragic circumstances in which this case has had to be brought and I am sure we all respect the particular sensitivities involved.
Claire Reid
Published 12 March 2021
A judge has refused to intervene over a dispute over police allowing a vigil for Sarah Everard on Saturday.
Reclaim the Streets launched a legal challenge after the Metropolitan Police banned the event, due to be held at Clapham Common on Saturday.
Met Police say the vigil can't go ahead because of coronavirus restrictions, but Reclaim the Streets argue that there is 'right to protest'.
Mr Justice Holgate has refused the application, ruling that 'the requirements of the law have been clearly stated' in previous court rulings.
According to Sky News, Met Police at first gave a 'positive response' to the plans, but then later changed their mind and said it couldn't go ahead due to current lockdown restrictions.
Organisers of the vigil asked the High Court to make an 'interim declaration' that any ban on outdoor gatherings under covid regulations is 'subject to the right to protest'.
But today, the judge refused to make the declaration that the alleged policy by the Met Police of 'prohibiting all protests, irrespective of the specific circumstances' is unlawful.
Speaking ahead of the ruling, Justice Holgate said: "All of us appreciate the tragic circumstances in which this case has had to be brought and I am sure we all respect the particular sensitivities involved.
Thousands March On Parliament Square In Protest Over Police Handling Of Sarah Everard Vigil
Claire Reid
Published 14 March 2021
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in London to protest the police's handling of the Sarah Everard vigil.
Protesters flocked to Scotland Yard before moving to Parliament Square, as London mayor Sadiq Khan called for a 'full, independent' investigation into last night's events.
Activist group Sisters Uncut posted on social media to say they would be protesting in the capital, writing on Twitter: "We will not be intimidated. Do not dare lay your hands on us tonight."
Clips shared on social media show protestors chanting, 'shame on you' others held placards with phrases such as: "We will not be silenced" and "End sexist, racist state violence."
Met Police said on Twitter that officers had urged 'hundreds' of protesters to go home.
Met Police commissioner Dame Cressida Dick, who has faced calls to step down, said: "We're still in a pandemic, unlawful gatherings are unlawful gatherings, officers have to take action if people are putting themselves massively at risk."
Credit: PA
Footage caught at last night's vigil in Clapham Common showed police clashing with mourners.
Protest group Reclaim These Streets had initially planned for a vigil to take place on Clapham Common, but were told by police the event would be unsafe in light of current coronavirus restrictions.
Nevertheless, a large number of people gathered on Clapham Common to mourn Everard's passing.
In footage from the gathering, the crowd could be heard chanting 'shame on you' as police tried to disperse attendees.
Footage caught at last night's vigil in Clapham Common showed police clashing with mourners.
Protest group Reclaim These Streets had initially planned for a vigil to take place on Clapham Common, but were told by police the event would be unsafe in light of current coronavirus restrictions.
Nevertheless, a large number of people gathered on Clapham Common to mourn Everard's passing.
In footage from the gathering, the crowd could be heard chanting 'shame on you' as police tried to disperse attendees.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham, tweeted footage of the vigil with the caption: "This could have been the socially distanced vigil the community needed to remember Sarah and all the women who have lost their lives to violence.
Credit: PA
"We knew what was going to happen if the event was shut down.
"Very disappointing from Scotland Yard."
Mayor Khan said earlier today he was 'not satisfied' with Dame Dick's explanation into police action during the vigil.
In a statement on Twitter, he said: "I asked the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to come into City Hall today to give me an explanation of yesterday's events and the days leading up to them. I am not satisfied with the explanation they have provided.
"I will now be asking Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary [HMIC] to conduct a full independent investigation of events yesterday evening and in previous days. I am also asking the Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC] to investigate the actions of police officers yesterday evening.
"We knew what was going to happen if the event was shut down.
"Very disappointing from Scotland Yard."
Mayor Khan said earlier today he was 'not satisfied' with Dame Dick's explanation into police action during the vigil.
In a statement on Twitter, he said: "I asked the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to come into City Hall today to give me an explanation of yesterday's events and the days leading up to them. I am not satisfied with the explanation they have provided.
"I will now be asking Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary [HMIC] to conduct a full independent investigation of events yesterday evening and in previous days. I am also asking the Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC] to investigate the actions of police officers yesterday evening.
Credit: PA
"It is vital that these events are not allowed to undermine the powerful calls since Sarah's murder for meaningful action to finally stop men inflicting violence on women.
"It was clear before yesterday that there isn't adequate trust and confidence from women and girls in the police and criminal justice system more widely. Further steps must now be taken to address this."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Met Police Chief Cressida Dick Urged To Resign Over Handling Of Sarah Everard Vigil
Amelia Ward
Published 14 March 2021
"It is vital that these events are not allowed to undermine the powerful calls since Sarah's murder for meaningful action to finally stop men inflicting violence on women.
"It was clear before yesterday that there isn't adequate trust and confidence from women and girls in the police and criminal justice system more widely. Further steps must now be taken to address this."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Met Police Chief Cressida Dick Urged To Resign Over Handling Of Sarah Everard Vigil
Amelia Ward
Published 14 March 2021
Metropolitan Police chief Dame Cressida Dick is being urged to resign over the force's handling of the Clapham Common vigil for Sarah Everard.
Videos circulating on social media show male police officers grabbing and restraining some of the women attending the scene.
Scotland Yard confirmed in a statement at around 4am that four attendees had been arrested for breaching Covid-19 restrictions and public order offences.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that he is 'urgently seeking an explanation' for the events that took place, while Labour leader Keir Starmer branded the police's handling of the vigil as 'deeply disturbing'.
He added: "This was not the way to police this protest."
Credit: PA
Campaign group Reclaim These Streets had initially been in talks with the Met Police regarding a planned vigil, suggesting alternatives for it to go ahead, including staggered times for mourners to attend Clapham Common.
But it was eventually cancelled, with the group instead asking supporters to participate in a doorstep vigil.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said that the handling of the case by Dame Cressida was a 'complete abject tactical and moral failure on the part of the police'.
Campaign group Reclaim These Streets had initially been in talks with the Met Police regarding a planned vigil, suggesting alternatives for it to go ahead, including staggered times for mourners to attend Clapham Common.
But it was eventually cancelled, with the group instead asking supporters to participate in a doorstep vigil.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said that the handling of the case by Dame Cressida was a 'complete abject tactical and moral failure on the part of the police'.
Metropolitan Police chief Dame Cressida Dick. Credit: PA
He continued: "We therefore call on you to consider your leadership of the service and whether you can continue to have the confidence of the millions of women in London that you have a duty to safeguard and protect."
Reclaim These Streets said in a statement: "This week of all weeks, the police should have understood that women would need a place to mourn reflect and show solidarity. Now is the time for the police and the government to recognise that the criminal justice system is failing women.
"Tonight, it has failed women again, in the most destructive way."
He continued: "We therefore call on you to consider your leadership of the service and whether you can continue to have the confidence of the millions of women in London that you have a duty to safeguard and protect."
Reclaim These Streets said in a statement: "This week of all weeks, the police should have understood that women would need a place to mourn reflect and show solidarity. Now is the time for the police and the government to recognise that the criminal justice system is failing women.
"Tonight, it has failed women again, in the most destructive way."
The vigil was peaceful until officers attempted to disperse the crowds. Credit: PA
Part of the police statement from Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball read: "Police must act for people's safety, this is the only responsible thing to do. The pandemic is not over and gatherings of people from right across London and beyond, are still not safe.
"Those who gathered were spoken to by officers on a number of occasions and over an extended period of time. We repeatedly encouraged those who were there to comply with the law and leave. Regrettably, a small minority of people began chanting at officers, pushing and throwing items.
"After speaking with officers, the vast majority of people quickly left. Four arrests have been made for public order offences and for breaches of the Health Protection Regulations.
Credit: PA
"Part of the reason I am speaking to you tonight is because we accept that the actions of our officers have been questioned.
"We absolutely did not want to be in a position where enforcement action was necessary. But we were placed in this position because of the overriding need to protect people's safety.
"Let me end by saying that across the Met, we review every single event that we police to see if there are lessons that can be learnt. This one will be no different."
Featured Image Credit: James Veysey/Shutterstock
Households Across UK 'Shine A Light' With Doorstep Vigil For Sarah Everard
Amelia Ward
Published 13 March 2021
Part of the police statement from Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball read: "Police must act for people's safety, this is the only responsible thing to do. The pandemic is not over and gatherings of people from right across London and beyond, are still not safe.
"Those who gathered were spoken to by officers on a number of occasions and over an extended period of time. We repeatedly encouraged those who were there to comply with the law and leave. Regrettably, a small minority of people began chanting at officers, pushing and throwing items.
"After speaking with officers, the vast majority of people quickly left. Four arrests have been made for public order offences and for breaches of the Health Protection Regulations.
Credit: PA
"Part of the reason I am speaking to you tonight is because we accept that the actions of our officers have been questioned.
"We absolutely did not want to be in a position where enforcement action was necessary. But we were placed in this position because of the overriding need to protect people's safety.
"Let me end by saying that across the Met, we review every single event that we police to see if there are lessons that can be learnt. This one will be no different."
Featured Image Credit: James Veysey/Shutterstock
Households Across UK 'Shine A Light' With Doorstep Vigil For Sarah Everard
Amelia Ward
Published 13 March 2021
Households across the UK have taken part in the 'Shine A Light' doorstep vigil in remembrance of Sarah Everard.
Campaign group Reclaim These Streets had initially planned a socially-distanced vigil on Clapham Common, close to where Ms Everard was last seen. But the event was cancelled due to coronavirus regulations, with the public invited to shine a light or hold a candle on their doorstep instead
The group has also raised more than £460,000 for women's charities
A statement was shared on the campaign's official Twitter account, which read: "This evening at 9.30pm we will be joining people around the country in a doorstep vigil, standing on our doorsteps and shining a light - a candle, a torch, a phone - to remember Sarah Everard and all the women affected by and lost to violence. We invite all those who planned on attending to #ReclaimTheseStreets even to join us.
"We continue to strongly encourage people not to attend any gatherings on Clapham Common this evening. Safety, both from Covid-19 and legal consequences, has always been our top priority for the women of South London.
"We aren't just lighting a candle for the women we've lost: we have been inspired by the women who have reached out and hope this is just the start of a movement that will light a fire for change."
A candle was lit outside 10 Downing Street in memory of Sarah Everard. Credit: PA
Ms Everard went missing while making her way home from a friend's flat in Clapham, London, at about 9.30pm on 3 March.
Sarah, 33, who is originally from York and attended Durham University, was walking home when she was last seen - a journey that should have taken her just 50 minutes.
Her family had said it was 'totally out of character' for her to go missing.
However, police confirmed on Friday (13 March) the tragic news that the human remains that had been found in a woodland area in Kent belonged to Ms Everard.
Serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has been arrested and charged with the kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard.
He appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning (13 March). The case will be heard at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 16 March.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Ms Everard went missing while making her way home from a friend's flat in Clapham, London, at about 9.30pm on 3 March.
Sarah, 33, who is originally from York and attended Durham University, was walking home when she was last seen - a journey that should have taken her just 50 minutes.
Her family had said it was 'totally out of character' for her to go missing.
However, police confirmed on Friday (13 March) the tragic news that the human remains that had been found in a woodland area in Kent belonged to Ms Everard.
Serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has been arrested and charged with the kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard.
He appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning (13 March). The case will be heard at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 16 March.
Featured Image Credit: PA
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