Public Disorder

Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall Excerpts

Thursday 16th December 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Wallace of Saltaire]

I thank the noble Lord for that question; he has of course great experience in this matter. The definition of a mask worn for the purpose of concealing identity and with the intention to commit acts of violence is tightly drawn. I passed someone at Victoria station this morning whose face was covered, I think, to keep him warm. Two days ago, I passed some Japanese tourists outside here who were wearing gauze face masks which I think were intended to prevent them catching the European version of Asian flu. They would not be caught by the Act.

[Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall]

Does the noble Lord accept that while one has great sympathy with the reasons behind the Question—I appreciate what has just been said about the necessity of balance in approaching this issue—there is one other balancing issue that should be taken into account: that police should not appear on such demonstrations with their identity numbers concealed or otherwise removed?

[Lord Wallace of Saltaire]

My Lords, that point is extremely well taken. I know that the police have it very much in mind.