UK's lost right to peaceful protest

Anti-royal groups blast Met after more than 50 arrests

-  ANDY LINES

ANTI-royalists slammed the Met yesterday for arresting more than 50 protesters before the Coronation.

Politicians and campaigners called on the force to explain its actions on Saturday.

Among those arrested was Graham Smith, head of anti-monarchy group Republic.

He was released after 16 hours in custody and said there was "no longer a right to peaceful protest in the UK".

Mr Smith fears the detentions have destroyed trust between demonstration groups and the police.

He said: "I have campaigned on the issue of the monarchy for 20 years.

"Time and again I have been told the monarchy protects us from tyranny, that the monarch guards our democracy and freedoms, defending us against the excesses of government.