Wednesday 14 September 2022 10:20 AM David Davis writes to police to express concern after anti-royal protester ... trends now
Former minister David Davis has written to police to urge them to 'continue to respect free speech' after an anti-royalist protester was charged.
A 22-year-old woman was arrested after holding up an anti-monarchy placard in Edinburgh on Sunday and was subsequently charged 'in connection with a breach of the pace'.
The sign, which read 'F**k Imperialism, Abolish Monarchy', could be seen amongst the crowd who had turned out to hear King Charles be formally proclaimed monarch.
Mr Davis announced on Twitter last night that he has written to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to express his 'concern'.
'I speak as a strong monarchist, but nevertheless, I hope that members of the public will remain free to share their opinions and protest in regard to issues about which they feel strongly,' he said in his letter.
The former Tory leadership contender also pointed out that since writing his letter, a second person had been charged.
A 22-year-old man was charged with breaching the peace after a spectator heckled the Duke of York as he solemnly marched with a sorrowful King Charles and their siblings behind their mother's coffin in Edinburgh on Monday.
Meanwhile, outside the Palace of Westminster, another protester showed her opposition to the new monarch when she held up a poster that read: 'Abolish the Monarchy' and 'Not my King'.
Former minister David Davis has written to police to urge them to 'continue to respect free speech' after an anti-royalist protester was charged. A 22-year-old woman was arrested after holding up an anti-monarchy placard (pictured) in Edinburgh on Sunday and was subsequently charged 'in connection with a breach of the pace'
Mr Davis (left, file photo) announced on Twitter last night that he has written to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to express his 'concern'. Right: The MP's letter
In his letter to Chief Constable Sir Ian Livingstone, Mr Davis wrote: 'It is not for me to interfere in the judicial process.
'However, with the accession of our new monarch, I would hope that the police will continue to respect the right to free speech.
'If the individual concerned committed acts of violence, or the police had reason to believe she would, then action was obviously necessary.
'But if the individual was simply stating an opinion, I trust you agree that a liberal approach would be desirable.
'I speak as a strong monarchist, but nevertheless, I hope that members of the public
