MONMOUTH MP David Davies was among the Welsh MPs who returned to a recalled Parliament on Thursday for an emergency debate on the riots in England.
Mr Davies said although there had been no outbreaks of serious disorder in Wales, the “disgusting” TV footage of looting and violence in cities including London, Manchester and Birmingham meant it was “quite right” for politicians to be called back from their summer recess.
During the debate, Mr Davies urged the Prime Minister to let the police use physical force to tackle rioters. He said frontline officers were afraid to strike people with batons or move to a policy of containment, known as ‘kettling’, because of criticisms from politicians and the media.
On Wednesday night, Mr Davies joined frontline officers on the streets of London in Lewisham in his volunteer role as a Special Constable with the British Transport Police.
“The situation was tense and at one point our unit was backing up the Metropolitan Police who were dealing with a gang of 50 masked youths,” he said.
“I have been a Special Constable for over five years and never before have I witnessed scenes like this. What was heartening was the number of people from all backgrounds who came up and thanked the police for what they were doing.
“The problem is that officers were telling me they have been afraid to use a measure of physical force to deal with rioters because of concerns about criticisms for doing so. It therefore removes many of the options they have got.
“The Prime Minister told the House of Commons that people wanted a “very robust response” from the police to violent criminal behaviour. So when he says “we will do whatever it takes”, I trust MPs will support the police if they have to strike baying mobs with batons or kettle them in because force has to be met with greater force.
“I’m very grateful that we have not experienced any trouble in Monmouthshire and I sincerely hope we never will do in this part of the world”.