Water Cannon

Debate between Lord Bates and Baroness Knight of Collingtree

Tuesday 17th March 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bates]

There is a well established procedure for considering these things, as happened with Tasers under the previous Government. A proposal comes forward—a request is made—and consideration is given to the scientific and medical implications of deploying the particular model. That is also placed in the context of a decision by the Home Secretary on the nature of policing and public consent.

[Baroness Knight of Collingtree (Con)]

My Lords, is it not very important when discussing the use of water cannon that one also says in what circumstances they should be used?

[Lord Bates]

Yes, that is absolutely right. What we are talking about here is not peaceful protests that may take place on the streets but serious disorder where life could actually be at risk. It would be in very exceptional circumstances but, even so, it is something that needs to be considered very carefully and that is what the Home Secretary is doing.