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'Kill the Bill' protests condemned by Kent MPs as 'disgraceful behaviour'

11:02, 22 March 2021

updated: 11:04, 22 March 2021

Kent MPs have condemned the "disgraceful behaviour" which took hold at the 'Kill the Bill' protest in Bristol.

Yesterday's violence resulted in 20 police officers being injured - with one suffering a collapsed lung.

Protesters set fire to a vandalised police van outside the police station (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Protesters set fire to a vandalised police van outside the police station (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Government minister and Faversham MP Helen Whately said: "What we've seen in Bristol was completely unacceptable, disgraceful behaviour.

"There was not only the damage and vandalism of police property but worse still, injuring police officers, with officers getting serious injuries and going to hospital.

"That absolutely should not happen and is inexcusable."

Seven arrests were made as a result of the ugly scenes which have made national headlines.

Many who attended the protest were wearing face masks and carried placards, stating: “Say no to UK police state” and “Freedom to protest is fundamental to democracy” and “Kill the Bill”.

What started as a non-violent demonstration turned violent after hundreds of protesters descended on the New Bridewell police station.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins tweeted: "Appalling scenes of violence and criminal damage in Bristol last night.

"The police put themselves in harms way to protect communities & we need to make sure they have the powers they need.

"The right to protest is not the right to attack people and property."

Home Secretary Priti Patel has also branded the scenes “unacceptable” and said “thuggery and disorder” would never be tolerated.

Helen Whately MP
Helen Whately MP

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