Arrests of anti-monarchy protesters slammed as 'wrong' as Met Police expresses 'regret'

Shadow levelling up secretary Lisa Nandy said that something had 'gone wrong' following the arrests of six anti-monarchy protesters ahead of the King's coronation. Last night (Monday) the Met expressed 'regret' over the arrests which meant the demonstraters couldn't join the wider protests during King Charles' Coronation.

A chief inspector and two other officers personally apologised to anti-monarchy group Republic chief executive Graham Smith, he claims, over what he called a 'disgraceful episode'. They visited Mr Smith at his home in Reading, Berkshire, last night following his near 16 hours in police custody, after Republic held peaceful protests on Saturday.

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Wigan MP Ms Nandy told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning: "Clearly, something has gone wrong in this case. Peaceful protest is an important part of British democracy. The Met accepted that and I think the Mayor of London is right to ask for a review to determine what exactly went wrong in this case.

"Whatever it was, this was a very complex policing operation. It largely went off without a hitch and I think the police deserve credit for that. But where there are incidents like this, we have to take them seriously and I think that it's right that we learn the lessons and take steps to rectify that."

On the use of powers under the controversial Public Order Act, she said: "It's not clear in this case whether the problem is with the legislation, or whether the problem is more operational and a matter for the police."

In a statement on Monday night Met Police said: "Those arrested stated the items would be used to secure their placards, and the investigation has been unable to prove intent to use