LONDON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Britain's largest law enforcement group, the Metropolitan Police, is calling for changes in the way police respond to protest demonstrations.
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur says there is a growing perception both in Britain and internationally that London police have been too soft on extremist protestors, The Guardian reports.
"What we are seeing in effect is a rise in the politicalization of middle England and the emergence of a significant challenge for capital city policing," Ghaffur says.
Ghaffur plans to send a list of proposed changes to the attorney general that include giving police more powers to decide what is and isn't acceptable for placards and banners.
"There must be a clear message that we will not allow any extremist group to display banners or make public statements that clearly cause offense within the existing law," Ghaffur's proposal says.
Opponents say the proposed changes will have the effect of turning police into censors.
