The Metropolitan Police has come under scrutiny after officers removed homeless individuals from Parliament Square in London, just hours before Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was due to deliver a major speech on crime and policing.
Witnesses reported seeing police dismantling tents and moving rough sleepers from the area near the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday morning. The clearance occurred shortly before Cooper's scheduled address at a nearby venue, raising questions about whether the operation was timed to coincide with the high-profile event.
Timing Raises Eyebrows
Charities working with homeless people have condemned the action, suggesting it was an attempt to "clean up" the area before the Home Secretary's appearance. "This heavy-handed approach to vulnerable people is unacceptable," said a spokesperson for a local homelessness charity.
The Metropolitan Police stated that the operation was part of routine work to address antisocial behaviour in the area. However, critics argue that targeting homeless individuals in this manner is inappropriate, particularly when the government is preparing to announce new policies on policing and community safety.
Political Fallout
The incident has sparked a political debate, with opposition MPs accusing the government of sanctioning the removal of visible homelessness ahead of a key ministerial speech. "This sends entirely the wrong message about how we treat the most vulnerable in society," said one Labour backbencher.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has not directly commented on the police operation but is expected to face questions about whether she or her office were aware of the clearance before her speech.
Parliament Square has long been a flashpoint for protests and homelessness issues in central London. The latest incident highlights ongoing tensions between maintaining public order and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups in high-profile locations.
