The Metropolitan Police has won its appeal against a High Court ruling over “kettling” tactics used during the G20 demonstrations.

The High Court ruling had been won by Hannah McClure, a student, and Josh Moos, a campaigner for Plane Stupid.

They challenged the legality of restraint methods used against them in April 2009 when they were contained by officers in Bishopsgate.

But the Court of Appeal has now ruled against the High Court’s decision.

The High Court ruling, where officers were said to have used “unjustified force”, led to a call from human rights lawyers for an “immediate change to police attitudes and tactics”.

Police used the kettling tactic – where demonstrators are corralled inside police cordons and prevented from leaving – against the protesters in Bishopsgate, even though they had been peaceful.

The Met said the kettling was necessary to keep violent demonstrators at the Royal Exchange from “hijacking” the more peaceful climate camp, attended by up to 5,000 people.

The High Court had ruled there had been no evidence of an imminent breach of the peace to justify the kettle, which was in place for more than four hours.

Mr Moos, who was part of a peaceful protest camp, said he became dehydrated after being refused permission to leave.

When the police announced an appeal they made it clear the judgment did not outlaw kettling, and containment tactics would continue to be used “to prevent serious disorder and violence”.

Lord Neuberger, the Master of the Rolls, sitting in the Court of Appeal with Lord Justice Hughes and Lord Justice Sullivan, ruled against the High Court decision.

via BBC News – Metropolitan Police wins appeal over 2009 G20 ‘kettling’ tactics.