Tents and camping equipment have been banned from the London Olympics over fears that ‘Occupy’ style protests will disrupt the games, home secretary Theresa May announced today.
Home Secretary Theresa May announces the measure at the RUSI olympic security conference.While speaking on the plan for Olympic security, May confirmed that there is to be a blanket rule outlawing tents and camping equipment to “prevent encampment protests similar to those seen in recent months in the capital”.
Those attending events at the games will be subject to screening for camping equipment with “swift police action” for anyone attempting to sidestep the measure.
Describing encampment protests as “emerging threats”, the home secretary said: “Our approach to such protests will now be based on three aspects.
“Strict security and screening measures to help stop the necessary equipment being brought into Olympic venues, encouraging an immediate response from LOCOG to any encampment that does get through and rapid follow up action by the police using all available powers to remove encampments and equipment.”
The home secretary said the plan is “not intrusive” but there have been concerns over its implementation over the summer.
“This is the latest in a long line of worrying developments,” said Occupy London supporter Laura Taylor. “It is now clear that the right to assemble and make your voice heard is being treated as a threat to be controlled rather than an essential element of a free society - one that should be celebrated as testament to the strength of our democracy.
“The 2012 Olympics are being held in London, not in Beijing,” she added. “It would be awful if by the time the summer comes round it's harder to tell the difference.”
Occupy London are set to appeal a High Court eviction order which was handed down on 19 January. Protesters have been encamped at St Paul’s Cathedral since 15 October.
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