The police had to make “tough choices” while handling protests during the Coronation, a minister has said, following criticism over arrests.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg the police were right to factor in the scale and global-nature of the event.
MPs and human rights groups have criticised the police after 52 people were arrested in London on Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police said it acted in a “proportionate manner”.
Among those held was the head of the anti-monarchy group Republic, Graham Smith. He was released on Saturday evening after 16 hours in custody and said there was “no longer a right to peaceful protest in the UK”.
Ms Frazer said the right to protest was “really important” and people should be heard but there had been a recent change in protesters’ tactics.
Protesters have been stopping people going about their day-to-day lives, she said, and there was a need to redress that balance. “People have the right to live their…
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