Rishi Sunak has come out in support of the Metropolitan Police following accusations that the force’s arrests of protesters during the coronation of King Charles were a deliberate attempt to “disrupt and diminish” dissent

The force made 64 arrests on coronation day, with 46 people bailed after being detained on suspicion of causing a public nuisance or breaching the peace. Four charges have been brought, including over a religiously aggravated public order allegation and class A drugs possession.

Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy Republic campaign group, who was detained on Saturday, accused Scotland Yard of having “every intention” of arresting demonstrators. He raised fresh concerns about the Public Order Act signed into law last week, which tips the balance against protest, including by lowering the definition of “serious disruption”.

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