The leader of an anti-monarchist campaign group is considering suing the Metropolitan Police after officers arrested 52 protesters at the King’s Coronation.
Republic leader Graham Smith was one of more than 50 anti-monarchy and environmental protesters arrested by police on Saturday.
Smith, who was released after 16 hours in custody, is now considering whether to bring legal action against Scotland Yard for what he has claimed constitutes unlawful arrest.
He claimed Republic had liaised with the Metropolitan Police for four months before protesting against the Coronation.
Police speak with Just Stop Oil protesters in central London, following the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
PA
Smith also insisted officers “had repeatedly said they had no concerns about our plans whatsoever”.
But the capital’s largest police force warned it would take action if protesters contravened existing laws or breached new powers which cover “locking-on” or causing “serious disruption”.
Dozens of protesters from Republic, who were granted permission to protest at Trafalgar Square, were arrested on Saturday as officers seized hundreds of ‘Not My King’ placards.
Smith told Channel 4: “Then on the day we turned up with our placards and immediately about 40 or 50 officers descended on us, arrested us, and searched us and our vans.
Republic leader Graham Smith was released from custody after 16 hours
GB News
“We were then detained for 16 hours, bailed, phones confiscated.
“Now, we’re still waiting to hear what’s happened. There are no grounds or any cause for suspicion whatsoever.”
He added: “When they actually arrested us, it was on suspicion of being equipped to lock on, which we were not equipped to do.”
When asked if Republic was considering suing the Metropolitan Police, Smith replied: “We have certainly been taking legal advice.
Protesters hold up banners following the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in London
PA
“We have had huge support from the public and legal professionals.
“If it goes the way we think it will, we will certainly consider what action we can take next.”
He continued: “That’s certainly something we’re considering – and another thing we’re considering is more protest.”
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement confirming a total of 64 arrests had been made during the force’s Operation Golden Orb.
A protester stands with police officers as people gather on The Mall in London
PA
Police confirmed 32 people were arrested for conspiracy to cause a public nuisance and have been bailed.
Another 14 were arrested for breach of the peace and have also been bailed.
Responding to Scotland Yard’s operation, Metropolitan Police Commander Karen Findlay said: "This has been a magnificent team effort and everyone in the Met is hugely proud to have played our role.
"Our first priority has been to ensure that the tens of thousands who travelled into London today, and millions more around the world, were able to enjoy a safe, secure and dignified Coronation."
"Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone. I know our colleagues take great satisfaction from the warm comments from the public they have met.”
The Metropolitan Police put in place its Operation Golden Orb for the Coronation
PA
She added: "We absolutely understand public concern following the arrests we made this morning.
"Protest is lawful and it can be disruptive. We have policed numerous protests without intervention in the build-up to the Coronation, and during it.
"Our duty is to do so in a proportionate manner in line with relevant legislation. We also have a duty to intervene when protest becomes criminal and may cause serious disruption.
“This depends on the context. The Coronation is a once in a generation event and that is a key consideration in our assessment.
“A protest involving large numbers has gone ahead today with police knowledge and no intervention.”
