Protests against live exports at the Port of Ramsgate

by political editor Paul Francis

Kent's Police Commissioner Ann Barnes has ordered a report on the policing
of live animal exports from Ramsgate, saying the issue is of national importance.

Mrs Barnes has written to chief constable Ian Learmonth asking for a public report that will examine the burden placed on Kent Police by the exports as well as detail the costs and how police manage the extensive public protests at the port.

The commissioner says that since her election last month, the issue of live exports has generated considerable correspondence and that given the interest, a report is the best way forward.

In her letter outlining her request, she asks the chief constable to examine a range of issues, including how the police approach the need to allow a lawful activity to continue with the right of protestors to stage peaceful protests.

She also requests details of the number of arrests made, how the force has engaged with protestors and whether they have been placed under any restrictions.

She insists the report does not mean she is interfering with the day-to-day operations of Kent Police.

"I continue to recognise that the operational policing arrangements in Ramsgate are a matter for you but are of concern and legitimate interest
for the people of Kent," she writes.

The report will be made public by mid-January.

Last week, Thanet South MP Laura Sandys called for exports to be banned.

In a debate in the House of Commons, she said: "Ultimately, it is the will of my constituents that we should be looking to get a ban on live animal exports."

Attempts by Thanet council to ban the exports have fallen foul of EU law. The port is the only one in the country where live exports are taking place.