Students March As MPs Debate EMA

There is to be a march on Parliament today in a protest and student day of action over allowances.

It is timed to coincide with MPs debating the proposed abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) that funds 16-year-olds to study for a further two years - prior to work or entry to university.

Demonstrators are to assemble at 4pm this afternoon in Piccadilly to continue their opposition to the move with a day of action in December and determined demonstrations earlier.

In response, and following major violence at previous student actions last year over the raising of tuition fees, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers will be taking the unusual step of handing out leaflets aimed at "informing demonstrators of what to expect from the police at the demonstration and march".

The MPS said the leaflet aims to dispel myths and rumours and explains what the policing operation will look like on the day as well as offering some "common sense advice on how to avoid getting caught up in any disorder or violence".

MPS is also informing protestors of how and where they can make a complaint and how they can go about giving information about disorder they have witnessed.

Chief Superintendent Peter Terry, from the MPS Public Order Branch, said: "Recently we have seen many young people turn up to protest in the capital and some of them have got caught up in the disorder and violence and are now facing court with possible life changing consequences.

"We want protestors to have a better understanding of what to expect, what the policing operation will look like on the day and what action we could take and why, so there will be no surprises.

"We hope that the leaflet will provide reassurance to protestors whilst also encouraging them to take responsibility for their own safety and actions," he said.

See: Arrests Made During Violent Student Protest

(BMcC/GK)