16 October 2019

In a new age of authoritarianism, we need to question the militarisation of the police

As our democratic institutions come under strain, we must place clear limits on the treatment of citizens.

Riot police clash with protesters before the G8 summit in Northern Ireland. (Photo By Getty Images)

It was, at first sight, just an ordinary rush hour scene at Birmingham’s New Street station. Three cops from the British Transport Police ordering flat whites in a cafe, amid a short break on what must have been a busy shift.

One was armed with a pistol and kevlared-up, the others were wearing stab vests and bulky tactical clothing. All were equipped with earpieces, tasers, pepper sprays – and all were tense, scanning the busy street intently as they waited for their drinks.