Government should pay for policing extremist demonstrations says tsar

Shaun Wright’s comments come in the run-up to a rally in Sheffield on Saturday by the far-right English Defence League (EDL).

The group plans to demonstrate in Sheffield Lane Top over 
plans – which have now been dropped – to convert a pub into a mosque.

In June, about 1,000 police officers were on duty – at a cost of an estimated £600,000 – when the EDL laid wreaths in Sheffield in memory of drummer Lee Rigby.

And the costs of policing this weekend’s rally could be even greater, it has been revealed.

Mr Wright said: “The cost of policing these two events alone is the equivalent of an extra 46 police officers for a whole year.

“Just imagine what inroads we could make in cutting crime even further and protecting the vulnerable with those sorts of additional officers on the street.

“Local taxpayers’ money should be spent on policing local communities and local needs – not on these protest rallies.

“It is time that the government acted.”

He added: “In these circumstances, South Yorkshire Police is powerless to ban these rallies and the chief constable has no choice but to ensure there are enough officers on duty to prevent disorder.

“It seems outrageous to me that hardworking, local people who have nothing to do with these rallies and protests should have to pick up the bill.”

Meanwhile, South Yorkshire Police said they are planning a “firm and positive” policing presence this Saturday.

Superintendent Colin McFarlane said: “As well as policing the rally, we will have additional officers on duty to carry out normal policing duties in the city, and a conservative estimate is that the policing operation on the day will cost at least £600,000 if not more.

“We would far sooner spend this money on local policing priorities but we have no choice.”

He added: “The irony is that the disused pub – the Pheasant – is not being turned into a mosque at all.

“In fact, planning permission has been granted to turn it into a fast food outlet.”