British bobbies are proud to be unarmed. But now to be upgraded: The London police want to first buy water cannons, because they fear further unrest because of the austerity measures. Critics warn against militarization.

What do British police if they want to stand in the way protesters? They hold each others hands and form a human chain. It follows a trial of strength: under the rush of the crowd, the officials wall moves back and forth – but she usually keeps standing.

The bobbies are proud to wear and also large demonstrations to keep up with the aid of horses in check only no weapons. This, however, is about to change according to the will of the London police leadership soon: It calls for the purchase of water cannons.

A public notice tells London Mayor Boris Johnson, you wanted to buy until the summer of three water cannon used by the German police at a price of 35,000 pounds. Londoners are invited to give their opinion until the end of February. Of Johnson wants to make the decision dependent.

The plan is controversial. So far, water cannons are used in the UK only in the former war-torn province of Northern Ireland. In England, Scotland and Wales, however, they were always taboo. The capital city is London, with its narrow streets no natural terrain for the monsters. And the use of armor-like vehicles against protesting citizens was considered un-British. Even former Scotland Yard chiefs refused water cannons from hence.

British Police Upregade:”The perfect way to cause unrest”

However, the mood changed after the severe riots in August 2011, when the police officers apparently had to watch helplessly as the London shops were looted and set on fire. A possible repeat of the “Riots” is now cited as the reason for the water pitcher desire. Although there was no evidence of an increased probability of severe unrest, according to a report by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). “However, it is likely that current and future austerity measures will lead to more protests.”

The ACPO report identifies four demonstrations over the past ten years, where water cannon would have been helpful, including the student protests against tuition fees in 2010. “The mere presence of a water cannon can have a deterrent effect,” says the report. The water shooting from a distance give officials an alternative to batons or rubber bullets. Are accredited in England and Wales since 2001 and, according to police involve a higher risk of injury than the water jet.

Home Secretary Theresa May would have to approve the purchase of the water cannon. She hesitates, mainly because she fears remain seated on the follow-up costs. Mayor Johnson has only offered to pay the cost for the three used copies. But long term, new models to be ordered – and that can cost up to a million pounds.

On Wednesday, the London Borough Assembly will debate the plan of the mayor. Politicians and commentators from the left bearing reject the water cannons strictly. The projects show the contempt of the rulers of protesters, commented on the “Guardian”. In media reports, the example of the Stuttgart demonstrators led, the almost completely lost his sight at protests against the station project for S21 with a water cannon.

It was wrong, the police equip such as the military, said the green city council deputies Jenny Jones. “It is contrary to our great tradition of unarmed police.” Shami Chakrabarti of the civil rights organization Liberty holds water cannons also counterproductive: “A jet of water on demonstrators and spectators is the perfect way to trigger unrest, not to stop them.”

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