Summary

  • Protesters from Just Stop Oil briefly interrupt the Home Affairs Select Committee hearing at Westminster

  • The video feed to the hearing was taken down for a moment before the protesters were removed from the room

  • The MPs are examining the police's treatment of anti-monarchy protesters at King Charles' Coronation

  • Matt Twist from the Metropolitan Police says there was no political pressure before the operation

  • Protesters from anti-monarchy group Republic were arrested at the Coronation

  • The group's chief executive, Graham Smith, says his group's straps and locks were incapable of "locking on" to objects

  • Meanwhile, the committee chair says she is "speechless" after hearing evidence from Suzie Melvin

  • Melvin, a night-time safety volunteer, was arrested the night before the coronation

Live Reporting

Edited by Jamie Whitehead

  1. Who do we expect to hear from today?

    As we've been reporting, the Home Affairs Committee will be looking at the police's handling of the Coronation, and its treatment of anti-monarchy protesters.

    The hearing begins at 10:00 BST and MPs will first hear from:

    • Matt Twist, temporary assistant commissioner for Met Operations
    • Chris Noble, chief constable and protest lead at the National Police Chiefs' Council

    From around 10:45 we'll hear from:

    • Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic (an anti-monarchy organisation) and was arrested himself for protesting 6 May
    • Human rights barrister Adam Wagner, who works at Doughty Street Chambers
    • Night Stars volunteer at Westminster City Council Suzie Melvin

  2. Welcome to our coverage

    Jamie Whitehead
    Live reporter

    Eleven days ago, the streets of London were packed as King Charles and Queen Camilla were crowned in Westminster Abbey. In total, 64 people were arrested in connection with the Coronation.

    Earlier this year, a Public Order act was passed by the government. Part of this act meant protesters who “lock on” - attach themselves to a building or object - could be jailed for six months.

    Six anti-monarchy protesters - including the leader of the Republic group, Graham Smith - were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to lock on. They were held for up to 16 hours then released without charge.

    Three women's safety volunteers were also arrested in Soho - and you may have heard about the royal superfan who was wrongly arrested near a group of anti-oil demonstrators.

    Which brings us to today. The Home Affairs Select Committee of MPs is looking at the policing operation, and hearing from officers and some of those arrested.

    I’ll bring you today’s coverage along with Malu Cursino, Gabriela Pomeroy, Kathryn Armstrong, Gem O’Reilly and Jack Burgess.