Home Affairs Committee to examine policing of summer disorder
The Home Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into the policing of incidents of violent disorder in the UK during the summer of 2024.
Committee chair Dame Karen Bradley said: “Disorder like we witnessed in the summer poses a significant challenge to policing.
“We want to understand the situations they faced, as well as the resourcing, policy and safety considerations behind their response.
“Frontline officers play a vital role in protecting communities in these situations, putting themselves in harm’s way and being required to make tough decisions to maintain order.
“It is vital that lessons are learnt to ensure they are in the best position to meet similar challenges in the future.”
In July and August this year, significant disorder took place in towns and cities following the violent events in Southport. Violent protests took place in urban centres, and outside accommodation for asylum seekers, necessitating a significant police response.
An estimated 40,000 additional officer shifts were required by public order officers in a ten-day period and more than 1,500 arrests were made in response to the disorder.