Judge Refuses To Intervene After Met Police Ban Sarah Everard Vigil

A judge has refused to intervene over a dispute over police allowing a vigil for Sarah Everard on Saturday.

Reclaim the Streets launched a legal challenge after the Metropolitan Police banned the event, due to be held at Clapham Common on Saturday.

Met Police say the vigil can't go ahead because of coronavirus restrictions, but Reclaim the Streets argue that there is 'right to protest'.

Mr Justice Holgate has refused the application, ruling that 'the requirements of the law have been clearly stated' in previous court rulings.

Organisers of the vigil asked the High Court to make an 'interim declaration' that any ban on outdoor gatherings under covid regulations is 'subject to the right to protest'.

But today, the judge refused to make the declaration that the alleged policy by the Met Police of 'prohibiting all protests, irrespective of the specific circumstances' is unlawful.

Speaking ahead of the ruling, Justice Holgate said: "All of us appreciate the tragic circumstances in which this case has had to be brought and I am sure we all respect the particular sensitivities involved."