The deputy prime minister has stated police will “take all necessary steps” to stop any disruption to the King’s coronation by anti-monarchist campaigners.
Activists are planning to disrupt the ceremony by setting off rape alarms and throwing them at horses collaborating within the procession, in accordance with a report in The Mail on Sunday.
The newspaper cited issues from “senior security sources” that disruption might result in scared horses bolting into crowds alongside the route. In response, the federal government has stated police will use their “full range of powers” to guard the procession.
Oliver Dowden, who was appointed deputy prime minister on Friday, advised Times Radio: “We take [these threats] very seriously.
“I’ve been assembly with the house secretary, with the tradition secretary, who has duty for the ceremonials for the coronation, we have been briefed by the police and acquired intelligence reviews in respect of this.
“What I would say is we have experience of dealing with these situations, it’s a relatively similar situation to what happened with the platinum jubilee, and indeed with Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.
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“So, we will be taking all necessary steps to protect the integrity of the occasion.”
Asked if banning orders could be used and searches carried out close to the ceremony, Mr Dowden replied: “Clearly the police are operationally impartial on this nation, however we’re working very intently.
“I have met with the relevant commanders in respect of the operation, I know that they’re taking this very seriously and that they will use the full range of powers at their disposal to make sure that public order is maintained and that the ceremony is not disrupted.”
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle advised the Mail on Sunday: “Mindless behaviour of this sort would be utterly and totally unacceptable on any day.
“But it might be reckless past perception to hunt to sabotage the coronation by scaring the horses, not only for the animals’ personal welfare however for the protection of the 1000’s of spectators lining the route.
“I hope the authorities will do all they can to prevent such insanity.”
The newspaper stated its sources had not specified which group or teams are stated to be behind the plan.
Content Source: information.sky.com