How much does it cost to police major protests?

Interesting figures from the Met Police:

• Tamil Ceasefire protests – estimated total policing cost of £12.8m
• G20 Summit – estimated total policing cost of £7.4m
• Notting Hill Carnival – estimated total policing cost of £6.6m
• Summer Climate Camp – estimated total policing cost of £2.3m

Some of those seem pretty good value for money such as the Notting Hill Carnival, bearing in mind the enjoyment so many people get from the event.

Looking at some of the other costs, perhaps in future the police should offer to fund TV advertisements in return for protests not happening: could save money and make for more effective communication of the protesters’ message…!