Police scour social media websites as anger mounts over taxpayer-funded funeral for Margaret Thatcher
Police are bracing themselves for the likelihood that Margaret Thatcher’s partially state-funded ceremonial funeral will attract protesters as anger mounts over her controversial legacy and the Government’s decision to honour her with the help of taxpayer’s money.
Chatter on websites, social media and forums that are popular with protest networks has revealed multiple plans by groups to either demonstrate during the funeral itself or hold “Maggie’s dead parties” on the same day. Others have recommended celebrations in the days leading up to next Wednesday’s funeral with one party slated for 6pm in Trafalgar Square this Saturday evening.
If the plans come to fruition they present a logistical headache for the Metropolitan Police who will have to balance making sure the funeral cortège is not disrupted whilst respecting the public’s right to voice their opinion on one of Britain’s most divisive modern day politicians.
It is believed officers who specialise in public order issues are currently monitoring social media, websites and Blackberry’s BBM messaging networks over the coming days for any sign of protest. Their concerns have been fuelled by a number of impromptu street parties which broke out on Monday evening in Leeds, Bristol, Brixton and Glasgow – some of which resulted in arrests after sporadic clashes with police.
The Metropolitan Police said tonight it had no specific information on what plans are being drawn up to counter public order problems during the funeral but it is known preparations for the procession have been in the works for the last three years. It is likely that officers will need to line the entire route from the Houses of Parliament to St Paul’s Cathedral to make sure that the cortège is not stopped.
“London's police, the MPS, City of London and British Transport Police, are working together to deliver a security operation for Baroness Thatcher's funeral. Given the nature of the event our operation will use of a range of appropriate tactics,' a spokesman said.”
The Met’s first large scale challenge is likely to be an impromptu party which anti-Thatcher protesters are planning for this Saturday in Trafalgar Square – a corner of London forever associated with the moment the former Prime Minister’s power began to crumble as the poll tax protests turned violent. Flyers, some of which have been on websites popular with protest groups since 2004, have long called for a party in the square for the first Saturday after Mrs Thatcher’s death.
(continued, if you can't make Trafalgar Crumple is coming out of retirement to hold a Virtual Thatcher Death Party here on the forum on Saturday. Refreshments in the fridge and bring a sense of humor.
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