PM statement on student protests
The Prime Minister has made a statement on the student protests which took place in London on 9 December 2010.
In our democracy people are fully entitled to protest peacefully and make their views known. But the violence in London today is totally unacceptable.
It is clear that a minority of protestors came determined to provoke violence, attack the police and cause as much damage to property as possible. They must face the full force of the law.
The police have confronted considerable danger, and a number have been injured as they sought to uphold the right to peaceful protest. They have responded with courage and professionalism, and deserve the gratitude of the public.
It is shocking and regrettable that the car carrying the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall was caught up and attacked in the violence.