John Wadham, Director of Liberty, said:

"Last year, the police approach was sensibly low-key. This year, unfortunately, the police caved in to political pressure. This led to unacceptable and unlawful violence by some police officers. The containment of thousands of people was unnecessary, unlawful and will lead to justifiable complaints. As a result, the police will have to pay out compensation, and they will have alienated thousands of innocent and peaceful protestors".