Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received form Councillor Wann who was unable to attend at short notice.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Members were asked to declare any interests in the business on the agenda and/or declare if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them. No such declarations were made.

APPLICATION BY THE CHIEF CONSTABLE FOR ORDER UNDER SECTION 13 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ACT, 1986

Councillor Patel submits a report for Cabinet to consider an application by the Chief Constable for an Order to be made under Section 13 of the Public Order Act, 1986. Cabinet is asked to consider the recommendations in Paragraph 2 of the report.

The Leader has agreed to accept this item as urgent business on the grounds that if an application is received from the Chief Constable for an Order to be made under Section 13 of the Public Order Act, 1986, it is likely that this will need to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

APPLICATION BY THE CHIEF CONSTABLE FOR ORDER UNDER SECTION 13 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ACT, 1986.

Councillor Patel submitted a report for Cabinet to consider an application by the Chief Constable for an Order to be made under Section 13 of the Public Order Act, 1986. He agreed to accept the report as an item of urgent business on the grounds that the application form the Chief Constable had to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

The Chief Executive outlined the context and legal position as described in the report. She stressed that the decision of the Chief Constable was a difficult one to make. She assured Members that the Chief Constable, in consultation with community partners, had considered a whole range of relevant information prior to making a decision to submit this application.  The Chief Constable was satisfied that the circumstances were as such that it would not be possible to impose sufficient controls under Section 12 of the Public Order Act, 1986 so as to prevent disorder and that a ban was necessary. The Chief Executive stated that the Council was proud of Leicester’s diversity and strength and that the English Defence League’s (EDL) plan to march could jeopardise this cohesion and pose a major threat to public order, as shown through intelligence and evidence. She also informed Members that extensive consultation had taken place to gain opinions of residents, businesses and communities, the vast majority of whom, were in favour of applying for a ban.

Councillor Patel stated that there should be no compromise of Leicester’s reputation of a welcome to residents and visitors. He also stated that public safety was paramount.

Councillor Bhatti asked whether the Home Secretary would be obliged to agree the application should it be submitted. He was informed that she would consider the information presented by the Council and make a judgement. It was also noted that there were no powers to stop a static demonstration, but Members were assured that work would continue to plan for any eventuality.

Councillor Westley expressed his absolute support for the application, in recognition of the threat to the unique reputation Leicester had for community cohesion. He asked that the Police protect the area surrounding the rail station.

The Chief Executive reassured Members that the Police and partners were doing all possible to ensure public safety and protect vulnerable areas. Additional resources were being supplied by other police authorities.

Councillor Dawood, as Cabinet Lead for Community Cohesion, stated that there were concerns amongst communities and urged the Home Secretary in the strongest terms to approve the application.   There was evidence that the march would cause disorder, alongside rumours of a potential threat to a mosque in the city.

Councillor Naylor fully supported the recommendations and identified levels of risk, such as those who felt targeted, those who were caught up in problems whilst going about their business, and those who may feel encouraged to vent personal angers and fears. He stressed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

The meeting closed at 11.09am.