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MP slams "unecessarily aggressive" Kingsnorth policing

By: KentOnline reporter multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 17:29, 28 October 2008

Protesters at Kingsnorth Power Station

Questions have been raised in the House of Commons about the policing of this year’s Climate Camp at Hoo.

Norman Baker, MP for Lewes in Sussex, quizzed Home Office minister Vernon Coaker on Monday, over whether there would be an investigation into the matter.

Mr Baker told his fellow MPs he witnessed what he described as "unnecessarily aggressive policing and unprovoked violence against peaceful protesters" at the camp.

He was backed by Stroud MP David Drew, who said a friend of his was arrested at Kingnorth for “aggressively picking up litter.”

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The Commons heard how 100 people were arrested during the week-long camp in August, 46 of whom were charged with offences ranging from obstruction to possession of a bladed weapon.

The House also heard how 70 police officers received minor injuries during the protest.

Mr Coaker advised Mr Baker to complain to Kent Police and, if that process is unsatisfactory, the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

He added: “I think that police have acted appropriately and proportionately in this case.”

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