Shabana Mahmood orders police to ban masks and ramp up surveillance

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered police chiefs to make greater use of mask bans and surveillance technology as forces prepare to clamp down on anti-migration protests this weekend. The Home Secretary demanded tougher action ahead of further demonstrations expected following major disruption in Dover and Portsmouth.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has intervened ahead of a busy weekend of demonstrations by instructing police forces to utilize new powers that permit officers to ban face coverings at protests for up to twenty-four hours. According to GB News, the directive follows major disruption reported in locations such as Dover and Portsmouth.

Alongside restrictions on face coverings, the Home Secretary has urged police commanders to ramp up surveillance technology to monitor crowds effectively. Forces have been explicitly told to make full use of available legal mechanisms to maintain public order and prevent escalation.

Further demonstrations are anticipated across various parts of the country this weekend, prompting heightened readiness from local police forces. Authorities are under pressure to ensure that public safety is maintained while managing large-scale gatherings.

The deployment of these enhanced powers marks a direct response to recent public disorder incidents. Police commanders retain the operational responsibility to enforce the restrictions where necessary.

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p class=”source-link”>Original source: Read the full report at GB News