PCC questions arrests of journalists during M25 Just Stop Oil protests
Hertfordshire’s police and crime commissioner has admitted the force “may have got it wrong” by arresting members of the press who were covering the Just Stop Oil protests on the M25.
A reporter, as well as a documentary maker and a photographer, were detained by Hertfordshire Constabulary officers during the protests.
Speaking on BBC Three Counties Radio and LBC Radio this morning (November 10) David Lloyd said he was “certain that there was no reason to arrest them” and “I think we got it wrong”.
However, he questioned if journalists should be “thinking about” whether it was right to give the protests the “oxygen of publicity”.
Earlier, Mr Lloyd had said: “I support the role of a responsible free press being an essential pillar of a democratic society. While I am not involved in operational matters, policing these incidents is a very challenging and complex task.
“The public rightly expect the police to uphold the law and prevent widespread disruption affecting many thousands of motorists.
“I am speaking to the chief constable to obtain more information about the circumstances of these arrests to obtain the complete picture.”
Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Constable Charlie Hall said he “recognises the concerns” over the recent arrests of journalists who arrived at these locations and have been present with the protestors at the scenes.
“Additional measures are now in place to ensure that legitimate media are able to do their job,” he added.
In addition, Mr Hall said he is requesting an independent force to examine its approach to these arrests and to identify any learning it should take in managing these challenging situations.
He added: Motorways are very dangerous places and our priority is to ensure public safety as well as the safety of officers and protestors.
“The awful incident in Essex where an officer has been injured underlines this.
“Our officers are facing very challenging circumstances and have been instructed to act as quickly as they can, using their professional judgment, to clear any possible protestors in order to get roads up and running and to prevent anyone from coming to harm.”
Responding to the reports regarding journalists covering recent protest activity on roads and motorways, a National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesperson said: “Journalists have a right to report at any form of protest and the freedom of the press is essential.
“When you’re there and policing, there is a huge amount of pressure to swiftly move things on and it is regrettable that journalists were caught up in that.
“All protests come with an enormous amount of pressure for policing. Journalists shouldn’t be prevented from legitimately doing their jobs.”