Top of page
Misc

Met police accused of ‘degrading’ treatment of disabled XR activists

British Police Officers

Force’s disability advisers lodge complaint about treatment of Extinction Rebellion protesters.

The Metropolitan police’s advisers on disability have accused the force of “degrading and humiliating” treatment of disabled activists during the Extinction Rebellion (XR) protests in London this month, reports The Guardian.

A formal complaint by the Met’s disability independent advisory group says members are “disappointed and angered” the force failed to engage with them over the policing of the protests and the Met may have caused “irreparable damage” to relations with disabled people.

Anne Novis, who chairs the DIAG, said it was the first formal complaint issued by the Met’s disability advisers in more than 20 years working as “critical friends” of the force. “We were on the point of resigning because we were hearing so many bad stories from people,” she said.

There were a series of confrontations between disabled activists and police during XR’s “autumn uprising” protests. A number of disabled people taking part in the protests say they believe they were deliberately and aggressively targeted by police.

You might also like

woman in wheelchair talking with colleageues during a break woman in wheelchair talking with colleageues during a break

UK unveils plans to boost employment for people with disabilities

People with disabilities and those with health conditions, who have…

Campaigners (l-r) Francesca Dean, Rachel Bury, Zack Kerr Campaigners (l-r) Francesca Dean, Rachel Bury, Zack Kerr

Petition launched to make sports venue toilets more accessible

A group of sports fans with disabilities are calling on…

female teacher sitting at desk with a Down syndrome schoolboy female teacher sitting at desk with a Down syndrome schoolboy

UK announces funding for short breaks to benefit children with disabilities

Thousands more families with children with special educational needs will…

British airways airplane flying at blue sky British airways airplane flying at blue sky

British Airways introduces visual guide for flyers with autism

British Airways has launched a visual guide to flying, becoming…