Policing Protest
Plaid Cymru believes that non-violent protest is an important mechanism in democracy to show public support of solidarity for a cause. We support the right of an individual to freedom of expression and assembly.
The rights of the individual should be respected, as should the rights of police officers not to be under threat of harm while carrying out their legitimate duties.
We do not support the legislation introduced by the Conservative UK Government which unfairly restricts opportunities for non-violent protest. Plaid Cymru would repeal these powers at Westminster, including the relevant parts of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023.
Sadly, some groups frequently resort to violence in order to make their point, and this needs to be policed in a stronger manner than events which are non-violent in nature.
It is highly disappointing that large costs of more than £1m have been spent by Dyfed-Powys Police to police protests at Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel for a misguided Conservative UK Government plan, and which were later dropped.
Plaid Cymru believes that Dyfed-Powys Police should be compensated for the cost of Westminster’s mistake, rather than recoup that cost from local taxpayers in the area.