Face covering ban in city centre during conference protests

Police brought in special powers in parts of Birmingham city centre on Sunday allowing officers to arrest people who covered their faces to hide their identity, as protests were held during the opening day of the Conservative Party conference.

The powers were in force from 10am to 8pm on Sunday 4 October, as groups gathered to demonstrate in the city centre near the International Convention Centre, where the conference is being held.

What the powers mean

Within the designated area, people who wore a face covering to avoid being identified could be arrested. There were exemptions for face coverings worn for religious or health reasons, or for work.

The powers are designed to help officers deal with people who might use masks or scarves to hide their identity while committing crimes, such as violence or criminal damage, during protests.

What the police said

A police spokesperson said: "We respect people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest."

"These powers exist to help prevent crime and disorder, ensure communities feel safe," the spokesperson said, adding: "Where the legal threshold is met, we will use these powers fairly, proportionately and without favour."

People with concerns were asked to speak to officers on duty or call 101, and to call 999 in an emergency.

The right to protest

The right to peaceful protest is protected by law in the UK, including under the Human Rights Act. Political party conferences regularly attract demonstrations, and campaigners have marched in Birmingham during previous Conservative conferences on issues ranging from public spending to the environment and international conflicts.

However, police can impose conditions on protests, such as where they take place and how long they last, if they believe there is a risk of serious disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption.

Civil liberties concerns

Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the increasing use of powers to restrict protests and to ban face coverings, arguing that some people cover their faces for legitimate reasons, such as fear of being targeted for their views. Police say the powers are used only when necessary and are subject to legal tests.

A major security operation

Policing a party conference is one of the biggest operations the force carries out each year. A secure zone is in place around the ICC, with road closures and restrictions on access around Broad Street and Centenary Square. Officers from other forces often help with large events.

The conference runs until Wednesday 7 October. People travelling into the city centre are advised to allow extra time and check for any road closures before setting off.

Conference opens

The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, used her opening speech on Sunday to set out a blueprint for the party called The Right Way, and promised to build 50,000 new prison places.

Report concerns

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour or an unattended bag during the conference should tell a police officer or call 999 in an emergency. The national campaign advice is to remember three words: see it, say it, sorted.

Previous conferences

Birmingham has hosted the Conservative conference regularly since 2008, alternating with Manchester, and most protests during those events have passed off peacefully. The largest demonstrations have usually taken place on the Sunday, when the conference opens, with marchers gathering in the city centre before walking past the venue.