Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
Brexit protests off to a bad start following UKIP leader’s ludicrous claim about police tactics
UKIP leader Gerard Batten claimed a water cannon “may be” deployed in London during pro-Brexit protests on 29 March. But people ridiculed his claim after reminding him that the city doesn’t have any water cannons. Even the Metropolitan Police got stuck in.
Scrapped and banned
Police allegedly prepared for disorder at pro-Brexit protests on 29 March – the UK’s original deadline for leaving the EU. As a result, Batten warned on Twitter that the Metropolitan Police might bring water cannons out against protesters:
There are reports that water cannon may be deployed tomorrow in London, & that some of the police may try to aggregate and provoke Brexiteers. There is always the danger of provocateurs planted to cause trouble. I hope it is not true but I call on everyone present to be peaceful.
— Gerard Batten MEP (@GerardBattenMEP) March 28, 2019
But London’s water cannons were scrapped in 2018. In fact, the Metropolitan police never even used them. And it didn’t take long for people to point out this gaping hole in Batten’s claim:
Read on...
Eh? In 2015, @theresa_may then the home secretary, banned the water cannons from use anywhere in England & Wales, saying; “Our police have never and will never routinely carry guns or hide behind military-style equipment." They were sold in November '18. https://t.co/u9OOhqcvAd
— Senescent Debacle (@kerfufflequeen) March 28, 2019
The ones @BorisJohnson bought? Wouldn't get too worried…
— Ragnar Weilandt (@RagnarWeilandt) March 28, 2019
Pro-Brexit Twitter users also questioned Batten’s statement:
They have. You're being lied to.
— Damian W. (@damnwymz) March 29, 2019
At the same time, others explained that Theresa May banned the use of water cannons in 2015:
I think you'll find it was Theresa May who did that. The then mayor of London failed to consult with the then home secretary before splashing out.
— Paul Tyreman #FBPE (@drpaulitious) March 28, 2019
Yep, for scrap because the incredibly detail-oriented BJ forgot to check if they could be used in London. Feel free to run riot.
— Dirgegirl🇬🇧🇪🇺 #JustMakeItStop (@dirgegirl) March 28, 2019
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police was curt with its response:
Those reports are indisputably false. https://t.co/46xi9cYNSl
— MPS Events (@MetPoliceEvents) March 29, 2019
Although let’s not forget that the Metropolitan Police were, at the time, “disappointed” by May’s ban on water cannons.
Aggregate
People also laughed at the UKIP leader for more than just his water cannon claim. Many wondered how police might “aggregate” protesters:
I’m prosecuting an aggregated burglary next week.
— The Secret Barrister (@BarristerSecret) March 29, 2019
Make them gravel for it
— Tony Stone (@Tonystone61) March 28, 2019
Are they concrete plans? Trying to cement your place in history? #aggregatejokes
— Mike McKinley (@MikeMckinley) March 29, 2019
— Mawskram (@Moorscram) March 29, 2019
Meanwhile, some posted other ‘reports’ of crowd control methods the police could use:
I've read reports they're deploying ninjas and are going to release lions onto the street. There's always the danger that these lions and ninjas end up in a fight to the death. I hope it's not true but I call on everyone present to be vigilant.
— Andy (@andykiko) March 29, 2019
There are also reports of imperial walkers ready to deploy
— OneOffDave (@OneOffDave1) March 29, 2019
Incompetence
‘Brexit Day‘ protests were organised in the capital by a number of groups, including former UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s group Leave Means Leave. UKIP itself promoted the ‘Make Brexit Happen’ rally in London. But the party’s growing links to the far-right, led by Batten, have caused tension amongst the pro-Brexit movement.
It’s easy mock Batten for his inept statements. And we should all take an opportunity for laughter in these chaotic times. But let’s not forget that parliament itself hasn’t been any more competent in resolving the Brexit mess.
Featured image via The Guardian/Youtube and Derek Bennet/Flickr
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