Could Water Cannon Take On UK Protesters?

The head of Scotland Yard's public order branch, Commander Bob Broadhurst, said in a statement that police chiefs would be "foolish" not to look at the potential for using cannon "to see if it might be appropriate in the future".
But speaking in the House of Commons, Theresa May said: "I don't think anyone wants to see water cannon being used on the streets of Britain.
"As I speak, water cannon have yet to be approved as a piece of equipment... It requires legal and democratic oversight."

There are no current plans to use water cannons on the streets of the capital but we would be foolish if we did not take time to look at tactics such as this to see if it might be appropriate in the future

Commander Bob Broadhurst, head of Scotland Yard's public order branch

The Home Secretary made clear that Britain is policed by consent and not force.
Although Cmdr Broadhurst cautioned on quick decisions, he did hint that it would be a possibility.
He said: "I would emphasise we will not rush in to anything and we are not in the business of knee jerk reactions.
"Anything we do will be carefully and fully considered to ensure the best outcome for protesters, officers and all Londoners."
According to Sky News' Home Affairs correspondent Mark White the Met's rhetoric over cannon usage should be noted.

WHEELCHAIR-BOUND PROTESTER JODY MCINTYRE

"It is a significant development in terms of the language that the Metropolitan Police are now using," White said.
Meanwhile, protesters are pitted against police in a battle of public relations, after footage emerged of a disabled man being allegedly dragged from a wheelchair last Thursday.
Grainy footage emerged of the man being pulled along the ground by an officer as onlookers voiced their displeasure.
Jody McIntyre told Sky News: "One police officer recognised me. He tipped me out of my wheelchair and dragged me from the middle of the road, over to the side of the road. He did not say one word."
The student added: "I don't see myself in important terms, I am only one person in the struggle."
The Met Police has referred the incident to its Internal Directorate of Professional Standards.

Jody McIntyre told Sky News a policeman dragged him across the road

At the same time, Scotland yard has released more images of the intensity of violence used against police on the frontline during the protest on December 9.
The Home Secretary said the protest march started with about 3,000 people but by the time marchers arrived at Parliament Square police estimated the crowd at 15,000.
More than 30 police were injured and six were taken to hospital after clashes. A total of 39 people have been arrested so far.
"It is quite clear that these acts were not committed by a small number of protesters," Mrs May said.
"The protests were infiltrated by hardcore activists and street gangs bent on violence."

The royal vehicle was damaged by protesters in London

In Parliament, the Home Secretary praised police for their professionalism but she also confirmed that a review would be undertaken over the failure to sufficiently protect Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, whose royal car was attacked.
Their vehicle was splattered with white paint and a side window smashed in the melee as it was being driven to the Royal Variety Performance in the West End.
The police review is due to be completed by December 17 but Mrs May warned that not all of the report would be made public, due to security concerns.
On November 10, during the first student march over tuition fee price hikes by the coalition Government, the Tory party headquarters attacked by protesters.