Rt Hon. Theresa May MP
Home Secretary, Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

08 November 2011

Dear Theresa,

Plastic Bullets

I am writing to express my deep concern at reports in the press that the Metropolitan Police could potentially use ‘baton rounds' or attenuating energy projectile (AEP) rounds at the student demonstration in Westminster tomorrow.

As you will recall, following the London riots in August, Sir Hugh Orde, the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, who deployed plastic bullets while serving in Northern Ireland, spoke out against the use of baton rounds after the disorder. As very serious equipment, baton rounds should not be used against protesters. There can be no justification for using AEPs at the demonstration tomorrow and I hope that following today's press reports that you will have made this clear to the Metropolitan Police.

The prospect of the police shooting at unarmed demonstrators with any kind of bullet is frankly appalling. I should be grateful for your urgent response to this letter.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion

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