At a time when the NHS is stretched to breaking point, knife crime is rampant, the cost of living is spiralling out of control, our cities and towns are crumbling and mental health is in freefall, the soaring costs of policing protests underscore a dire misallocation of funds that could be urgently directed to support critical public needs across the UK.
Since the latest conflict between Israel and Gaza erupted, the UK has seen an unprecedented wave of demonstrations. Since the initial protest on the 9th of October, organised by groups such as the Muslim Association of Britain, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War Coalition. Weekly marches began immediately, with attendance ranging from a few hundred to several hundred thousand. Chief Constable Chris Haward noted on the 12th of December that there had been over 900 protests and 100 smaller events since October, with peak attendances of 6,000 to 100,000 in cities like Manchester, Glasgow and London.
The protests have spread to virtually all universities, causing significant disruptions to academic life not seen since Covid. Prominent institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, UCL and Edinburgh experienced encampments or building occupations, affecting the daily routines of students and staff, leading to cancellations of classes and restricted access to facilities.
The sheer scale of the protests has demanded a substantial police presence, with estimates indicating that between 2,000 and 3,000 officers being mobilised each month. This extensive deployment has brought with it increased logistical demands, including road closures, identification efforts, charge centres and a significant number of public order officers on the ground. In response to the evolving nature of the protests, the police have also adapted their strategies, employing advanced tactics such as Voyager units and retrospective facial recognition technology. All these measures collectively contribute to the overall complexity and cost of maintaining order during these events.
The financial burden on public authorities has been substantial. By April of this year, early estimates placed the cost at £32 million, with the cost of policing the protests in London alone reaching £40 million. These figures raise serious questions about the allocation of public funds, especially given the UK’s current economic challenges. The burden on British taxpayers is undeniable, it is crucial to scrutinise whether this expenditure is justified when other critical areas, such as the NHS, are in dire need of funding.
Meanwhile, violent crime continues to rise, with knife crime becoming alarmingly widespread across the nation. The £40 million that has been spent on policing protests could have been better allocated to address this pressing issue. Investing in more beat officers would enhance the visible presence of the police on our streets, deterring potential offenders and providing reassurance to the community. Additionally, funding for community programs aimed at crime prevention and knife amnesty initiatives could play a crucial role in reducing violence.
Mental health services are critically underfunded in the UK, with one in six people experiencing a common mental health problem weekly. The £40 million could have been invested in expanding these services, providing more resources for clinics, hiring additional professionals and developing outreach programs. Additionally, many NHS hospitals and clinics are operating with outdated equipment and facilities. This funding could have upgraded medical equipment and supported social care services, providing tangible benefits to millions of British citizens.
While the right to protest is fundamental to democracy, the scale and nature of these protests have escalated significantly, often importing a foreign conflict into the UK. This has led to numerous instances of violence, harassment and arrests.
Considering the UK’s economic challenges, it is imperative to reevaluate how public funds are spent. The government must balance the right to protest with the need to support essential services, ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent effectively to best serve the public interest. We need to stop being apathetic and engage with our local representatives, demand change and voice how we want our tax money to be spent. It’s time for the public to have more of a say in the allocation of their tax contributions, ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.
