The Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green believes that there are lessons to be learned over a City Centre Police dispersal order last month
On Saturday 23rd Greater Manchester Police turned away groups of young people coming to the Christmas markets and put them on trains to leave the City Centre
At the time it was seen as an attack on the Traveller Movement with children unfairly targeted and marginalised.
In a statement issued Green said that Greater Manchester Police have now provided her with their account of what happened in the city centre on 23 November including their rationale for the decision to issue a dispersal order on that day.
The police have acknowledged that the decision to issue a dispersal order has caused anger and distress in the Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller communities, particularly with regards to the impact on children and young people, and that was not their intention.
”Having reviewed the intelligence and decision making, I understand the rationale that was applied by GMP in deciding to issue the dispersal order.” said the Deputy Mayor
”However, I do believe that there are lessons to be learned from what happened, and I have written to the Chief Constable to ask GMP to address a number of matters.
“I consider that the issues encountered on the day could have been anticipated sooner and that GMP could have planned and engaged the Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller communities in advance. This could have prevented this dispersal order being issued and applied in the way that it was.
“I have also asked GMP to review and consider the implications of its decision to put children back on trains, including safeguarding considerations.”
