The comments made by Thangam Debbonaire, the Labour MP for Bristol West, on 21 March 2021.
This is absolutely unacceptable. The scenes of violence and direct attack on the police in Bristol city centre will distress most people including anyone who believes in defending the right to peaceful democratic protest.
The comments made by Darren Jones, the Labour MP for Bristol North West, on 21 March 2021.
The scenes in Bristol this evening are completely unacceptable. You don’t campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire or graffitiing buildings. Avon and Somerset Police were on duty today to facilitate a peaceful protest not to deal with criminal behaviour.
The comments made by John Apter, the National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, on 21 March 2021.
This is not about protecting the right to protest, it’s violent criminality from a hardcore minority who will hijack any situation for their own aims. My colleagues, some of whom are now in hospital face the brunt of that hatred. Thoughts remain with my colleagues in Bristol.
The comments made by Penny Mordaunt, the Paymaster General, on 21 March 2021.
It is a privilege to see the incredible work our police do every day. The vast majority of people will be appalled at the scenes in Bristol, and do appreciate everything their local force does for them and their community. Thoughts with those who have been injured tonight.
The statement made by Marvin Rees, the Mayor of Bristol, on 21 March 2021.
The violence and damage that have emerged from today’s protests are unacceptable and have nothing to do with the real work we are doing to tackle political, economic and social inequality.
I recognise the frustrations with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. I have major concerns about the Bill myself, which is poorly thought-out and could impose disproportionate controls on free expression and the right to peaceful protest. It also misses as much as it includes, such as measures that could reduce violence against women and girls. We will raise our concerns.
Smashing buildings in our city centre, vandalising vehicles, attacking our police will do nothing to lessen the likelihood of the Bill going through. On the contrary, the lawlessness on show will be used as evidence and promote the need for the Bill.
This is a shameful day in an incredible year for Bristol. We have faced times of great confrontation particularly surrounding Black Lives Matter and the events that followed. We have had numerous protests. Our police, city representatives and I have been able to point out with pride that we have faced these moments of conflict without the physical conflict that others have experienced. Those who decided to turn today’s protest into a physical confrontation and smash our city have robbed us of this.
What they have done has more to do with self gratification than it has to do with the protection and advancement of those of us from communities most likely to be marginalised and mistreated by our political and legal systems. For five years Bristol has built homes, fed its families, prioritised mental health, recruited black and Asian magistrates, organised work experience for our young people who are least likely to be able to get it. We have addressed poverty and introduced a whole new city approach to welcome in and support refugees and asylum seekers. That’s what matters, That is what makes a difference. Smashing buildings, injuring police officers and burning cars will do nothing to support the children experiencing digital exclusion, or the women, men and children looking for refuge from domestic violence and abuse.
Speaking as someone himself – and whose brothers and sisters, along with our poorest communities – would be disproportionately likely to receive injustice, today’s actions do nothing to bring us closer to justice.
The comments made by Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, on 21 March 2021.
Unacceptable scenes in Bristol tonight.
Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated.
Our police officers put themselves in harms way to protect us all.
My thoughts this evening are with those police officers injured.
The comments made by Sajid Javid, the Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, on 21 March 2021.
Thoughts and prayers tonight with injured police in Bristol.
Hope these violent criminals are apprehended and punished with the full force of the law.
The comments made by Sarah Jones, the Labour MP for Croydon Central, on 21 March 2021.
I hope this criminal behaviour is dealt with swiftly. Thoughts are with the police who have been injured.
The comments made by Nigel Farage, the former leader of the Brexit Party, on 21 March 2021.
In Bristol tonight we see what the soft-headed approach to the anti-police BLM leads to.
Wake up everyone, this is not about racial justice.
These people want all-out anarchy and street violence.
The statement made by Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Shadow Home Secretary, on 21 March 2021.
Awful, shocking scenes in Bristol.
There is no excuse whatsoever for this violence.
Thinking of those officers who have been injured, and their families, and wishing them a swift recovery.