Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, or intend to have, with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police about the cost of the police and security operations concerning the demonstrations in Old Palace Yard in support of the EU.

The Government has not had any discussions with the Metropolitan Police Service in respect of this protest.

We are clear that the public have the right to peaceful protest, and that police forces should make reasonable contingencies within their budgets to cover the cost of these and other unexpected events in their area. Police and Crime Commissioners have the option to apply for funding through the Police Special Grant to assist with the cost of any significant events which might otherwise threaten the financial stability of the police force.

However, we also acknowledge that there are additional demands in policing the national capital and centre of Government, and provide the Metropolitan Police with additional funding called the National and International Capital City (NICC) Grant to help cover those costs. For 2018/19, the NICC Grant was £174m.