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| Britain |
| Cameron demands "full force of law" for fees protesters |
| 2010-12-11 |
| (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday demanded that tuition fee thugs face the "full force of the law" amid calls for an independent inquiry into the mob attack on the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. But speaking to news hounds, the Prime Minister defended Scotland Yard's handling of the situation, insisting there was no excuse for the "appalling" violence and vandalism. Thousands of youngsters vented their fury over MPs' decision to treble university fees to a maximum of 9,000 pounds a year. Police have so far jugged 33 people as a result of the disorder in central London that left dozens of officers and protesters injured. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched a probe into one incident, which left 20-year-old student Alfie Meadows requiring brain surgery after allegedly being hit with a truncheon. Cameron warned that it was not possible to blame the distressing scenes on a small militant element when so many in the crowd were acting in an "absolutely feral way." "The scenes people saw on their TV screens were completely unacceptable," he said. "I don't think we can go on saying a small minority were there. There were quite a lot of people who were hell bent on violence and destroying property. "When people see flags being torn off the Cenotaph, war memorial site, when people are despoiling a statue of Winston Churchill, coppers being dragged off police horses and beaten. "It is not acceptable, it is against the law to smash property, to behave in that way, to attack coppers, and I want to make sure that they feel the full force of the law." Among the most shocking episodes was the attack on a Rolls-Royce carrying Charles and Camilla by a gang who smashed a window and threw paint while shouting "Off with their heads". A Clarence House, the Prince's headquarters, front man refused to confirm reports that the duchess was poked with a stick through an open window, but stressed that the royal couple did not seek medical help. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said an investigation was being held into the security breach, adding that armed protection officers had shown "real restraint" not to open fire as the situation slipped out of control. "I do think that the officers who were protecting their royal highnesses showed very real restraint - some of those officers were armed. "Their priority was to get that car to the point of safety, which was the venue, and that was achieved, but it was a hugely shocking incident and there will be a full criminal investigation into it". |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #8 ...unless of course, you're waving a Union Jack and proclaiming a national identity of Queen and Country. Then you're a xenophobe who needs a little cranial attention. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2010-12-11 22:44 |
| #7 As my father in law, a retired Boston TPF cop, used to say, "A busted head will sure make you think twice about being an asshole." But, from what I've seen of the British cops, I'd feel better being protected by a cub scout troop. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2010-12-11 22:29 |
| #6 I am sadly afraid restraint won't always be an option, if not there, then here. We have a society of government dependents who have come to believe their dependency is a right, and who will not be able to respond rationally and peacefully if/when economic collapse takes it from them. THIS Well put, #1 Glenmore!! |
| Posted by: Mikey Hunt 2010-12-11 13:35 |
| #5 Thousands of youngsters vented their fury over MPs' decision to treble university fees to a maximum of 9,000 pounds a year. Ahhh yes...those precious youngsters - all full of piss and vinager. The little scamps are so cute at that age aren't they? And who doesn't remember their own youthful indescrestions? The protests, the destruction, the mayhem...it's a rite of passage really. Thems were some good times. It's just too bad that a few bad apples have to ruin it for everyone. Pay no attention to the Unions and their Socialist banners in the background. You can be sure they were there just to chapperone the little dears. |
| Posted by: DepotGuy 2010-12-11 11:26 |
| #4 Completely unacceptable...full force of law...criminal investigation...were the majority of rowdies white kids? Just curious, because last time I saw riot controlled clowned I didn't hear this kind of language from the gov. |
| Posted by: swksvolFF 2010-12-11 11:11 |
| #3 Maybe they could borrow the Ohio National Guard. Things have been rather quiet* since the last time they faced people who had an in-your-face attitude at the university level. Just saying. *outside sporting event celebrations. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2010-12-11 08:56 |
| #2 That usually means gunz... And cookies |
| Posted by: badanov 2010-12-11 07:56 |
| #1 officers had shown "real restraint" not to open fire as the situation slipped out of control. I am sadly afraid restraint won't always be an option, if not there, then here. We have a society of government dependents who have come to believe their dependency is a right, and who will not be able to respond rationally and peacefully if/when economic collapse takes it from them. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2010-12-11 01:04 |