Mark Field’s Reply 30th June 2009

Dear Mr Bennett

Thank you very much for your recent letter regarding the tragic death of Ian Tomlinson during the G20 protests and the wider issue of policing in general.

I read your email with interest and I fully appreciate the anger that incidents such as the policing of the G20 has provoked, particularly in the light of the recent video footage that has emerged. [My comments in italics - Not saying if the anger is justified or not]

The death of an innocent man who appears to have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time is incredibly sad and I have nothing but sympathy for Mr Tomlinson’s family and friends, in what must continuer to be a very difficult time. [Umm.. he was in the wrong place at the wrong time..? Nothing about the police behaviour.]

In my opinion, the days leading up to the organised G20 protests were quite remarkable with an intense level of press coverage and speculation surrounding the scale and nature of the forthcoming protests. In my opinion the exaggeration of what was to be expected at the protests actually helped fuel fear and suspicion amongst the protestors, local residents and even the police themselves, long before the actual demonstrations were scheduled to begin.

Nonetheless, there can be no excuse for violence or unnecessary provocation and I completely agree that if it is proved that any police officers acted violently or without justification then their actions are as unacceptable as those of the small number of protestors who turned violent. Quite simply there is no excuse for violence on either side and anyone who has broken the law must be held responsible. [The police are routinely violent at demos!]

In the mean time, it will not surprise you that a small number of constituents wrote to me in the weeks following the G20 protests and as such I wrote to Jacqui Smith MP, the former Home Secretary, immediately after the events. For your information, I have enclosed a copy of her reply. [not actually sent] Furthermore, I also met with the Deputy Chair of the IPCC to ensure that constituents’ concerns were represented at the highest level. I continue to be kept up-to-date with all of the developments that are taking place in the ongoing investigations. [Good - talking to relevant people]

However, as you raise some very specific points about the abuse of police power I would be more than happy to write immediately to the new Hoeme Secretary, Alan Johnson MP, on your behalf. In doing so, I will highlight the key points that you raise and request that he looks into your concerns with all due haste. [Excellent]

Thanks you for taking the time and trouble to write. As soon as I hear from Mr Johnson I shall, of course, be in touch.

With kind regards

Mark Field