Information ahead of protests in Exeter on Saturday 22 November
Our officers will be policing two protest assemblies and marches, a ‘British Unity Walk’ and an ‘Exeter is For Everyone’ event, in Exeter city centre on Saturday 22 November.
We have been engaging with organisers, local partners and businesses, to balance the right to protest, with the impact of the protests on others.
To prevent serious disruption, we have used specific powers under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act.
These set out legal conditions on organisers and participants around the routes, the length of time of any protest can take place, and the areas where respective groups must convene.
Both protest groups are expected to convene from 11am and disperse by 3.30pm.
The Exeter is for Everyone event will assemble in Bedford Square and the march will commence no later than 12.30pm, returning by 1.30pm.
The Unity March will assemble in Dix’s Field, with the march commencing at 12.30pm, returning by 3pm.
In facilitating the right to protest peacefully, we do remind everyone attending of the need to abide by these conditions, and that disorder will not be tolerated, nor will any activity that places protestors, the public, or our officers at risk.
We will have an increased policing presence during this time, and officers will be deployed throughout the city to reassure local residents, shoppers, businesses, and everyone who should continue to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
UPDATE:
Our officers attended two marches in Exeter today, Saturday 22 November.
Prior to the event, officers liaised with organisers, local partners and businesses to ensure people could exercise their right to protest peacefully while minimising the impact on others.
Whilst no-one was taken into custody from the protests, officers did help make two arrests for unrelated matters.
As a force we will facilitate people’s right to protest peacefully, but any disorder will not be tolerated, nor will we facilitate any activity that places protestors, the public or officers at risk.
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