by Bethany Rielly 

LABOUR MPs have called for an independent probe into police violence against a Kill the Bill demonstration in Bristol on Friday after videos showed officers beating participants with batons and shields. 

Footage appears to show officers in riot gear hitting a woman over the head with a baton and a man being dragged and hit by officers while on the floor during the demo against the government’s proposals to curb the right to protest and increase police powers. 

One demonstrator reported witnessing “a lot of police violence” after officers moved in to disperse crowds after 10pm. 

“I saw riot police … hitting people over the head with riot shields,” he told the Morning Star. “I saw police horses charging into crowds and police dogs being used to attack people.”

A Daily Mirror journalist covering the demonstration accused police of “assault” after sharing video footage that appeared to show an officer hitting him with a baton as he shouted that he was a member of the press. 

Avon and Somerset Police said that it was aware of the footage, adding: “We fully respect the media’s vital role in reporting events fairly and accurately.”

The reports of police brutality have sparked calls for an independent inquiry, with Labour MP Nadia Whittome saying that there was a “clear case” for a probe.

Also pressing for an inquiry, Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson argued that the “appalling scenes” showed that “the police have too much unfettered power without the Bill.”

Labour MP Apsana Begum said that the footage of violence and evidence of injuries revealed “the extent of totally unacceptable force used by the police.

“An explanation is needed on the authorisation of the aggression and an independent investigation,” she said.

Kevin Blowe of Netpol (the Network for Police Monitoring) commented that riot police appeared to have been “let off the leash” on Friday night. 

Officers were also accused of violence against Kill the Bill protests in Manchester, where about 1,000 people attended a peaceful demonstration in St Peter’s Square on Saturday. There were 18 arrests later in the day after a small group attempted to block a tram line. 

Green and Black Cross, which offers legal help to protesters, said that it had observed officers “kicking, pushing and stamping on individuals,” alleging that no warnings had been given by police before “violently engaging peaceful protesters.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that officers had engaged with the protesters obstructing the tram line after an hour of “significant disruption to the public.” 

The force said that no official complaints had been made and encouraged anyone thinking of making one to come forward. 

Striking bus workers also joined the demonstration. 

Ameen Hadi, who chairs the Unison North West black members’ committee, told the Morning Star: “The Tories know that there will be huge resistance to them trying to make us pay for their Covid incompetence. This Bill is their attempt to stymie the resistance. We will not let them win.”

Hundreds of people also marched against the Bill in Brighton on Saturday.