London eye

The right to peaceful protest is one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. It is for this reason that I volunteered to be a Liberty Legal Observer for the TUC's March for the Alternative. Our day started with a briefing and being handed a neon green tabard, emblazoned with 'Liberty Legal Observer' across the front and back. At least we would stand out.

I was paired up with another solicitor and our instructions were to move with the protesters as they made their way from Embankment to Hyde Park. Estimates of the number of protesters range from 250,000 to 500,000.

I saw families, friends and co-workers flood onto Embankment, tightly packed as they awaited their marching orders. Protesters were entertained by dancers, musicians and even a clown troupe as they made their way towards the rally in Hyde Park. Speaking to other observers I passed along the way, the message was that the protest was largely peaceful and extremely good fun. Numerous protesters approached us with thanks and words of encouragement.

Spreading fear

I arrived at Downing Street shortly after the rumours of a kettle surfaced on Twitter. These rumours proved false but it was clear that the threat of kettling was a concern shared by many of the protesters. At various points, small numbers of protesters started to walk back down the route of the march, alarming others who then assumed that a kettle had been put in place.

I could hear people speculating that there was violence ahead and that riot police were storming into Hyde Park. Fears were compounded by the increased presence of riot police. However, when I stopped one of the returning protesters and asked if there was violence ahead, they looked confused and said they were just off to do a spot of shopping.

While the vast majority of protesters were there to march for the alternative, there were groups with a different agenda. Clad in black, these protesters seemed to melt in and out of the TUC demonstration with apparent ease. I was informed by colleagues that breakaway groups had detoured to Oxford Street before rejoining the TUC demonstration.

I was on Piccadilly as paint and sound bombs were hurled at the Ritz. Other protesters appeared frightened by the turn of events and some expressed anger as they surveyed the paint damage and broken glass. At the time I was pleased that the TUC demonstration was able to continue on its way, past the angry crowds outside the Ritz and Fortnum & Mason.

However, I am disappointed to learn about the preoccupation the police appear to have with kettling. From what I saw on the day, the looming threat of kettling spreads fear among peaceful protesters. It breeds distrust between the police and the individuals they are there to protect. My experience as a Liberty Legal Observer confirmed to me that the broad range of existing police powers are more than adequate to tackle criminal behaviour and facilitate peaceful protest.