People against monarchy ‘have right to protest’, police say – after man with a blank sign confronted

Scotland Yard says people “absolutely have a right to protest” about the monarchy after a man carrying a blank piece of paper was told he might “offend someone”.

The Metropolitan Police issued a statement after a barrister, Paul Powlesland, filmed an altercation he had with an officer in Parliament Square.

The 36-year-old can be heard saying: “Why would you ask for my details?”

The officer replies: “So I can check and make sure you can be here. You’ve already said you’ve been arrested once.”

Mr Powlesland responds: “No, I said other people had been arrested. I was holding up a blank sign. Why are you asking for me details?”

The officer says: “Because you said you were going to write stuff on it that may offend people.”

Mr Powlesland says: “I said I was going to write ‘not my king’ on a sign.”

The officer replies: “You may offend someone.”

Mr Powlesland said the officer told him he risked being arrested if he had gone ahead and written “not my king” on the paper.

Read more: Could an anti-monarchy placard get you arrested after the Queen’s death?

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said the Met was “aware” of the video.

He added: “The public absolutely have a right of protest and we have been making this clear to all officers involved in the extraordinary policing operation currently in place and we will continue do so.”

Earlier in the day, a protester bearing a handmade sign saying “not my king” was ushered away from the Palace of Westminster by police.

It happened as King Charles was due to arrive to address MPs and peers in Westminster Hall yesterday morning.

Police spoke to the woman before escorting her away.

On Monday afternoon, a 22-year-old man was arrested “in connection with a breach of the peace on the Royal Mile”, Police Scotland said.

Ruth Smeeth, chief executive of Index on Censorship, said the arrests were “deeply concerning”, adding: “The fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the right to protest, is something to be protected regardless of circumstance.”

Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said: “If people are being arrested simply for holding protest placards then it is an affront to democracy and highly likely to be unlawful.”

Jodie Beck, policy and campaigns officer at Liberty, said: “Protest is not a gift from the state, it is a fundamental right. Being able to choose what, how, and when we protest is a vital part of a healthy and functioning democracy.”