Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard calls for ban on protest march masks

Mr Pritchard called for a change in the law at the weekly Commons business statement, insisting while people had a clear right to protest they should not do so anonymously.

He asked for a ban to be brought in against people covering their faces during public demonstrations and marches.

Commons leader Chris Grayling said he was sympathetic to the suggestion, adding he believed masks were used to intimidate.

Mr Pritchard said: "The police should not have to apply for a special order for each and every demonstration in order to prevent the wearing of masks.

"If protesters have the courage of their convictions they should show their faces. Norway, Germany, Denmark and Austria already have stricter laws.

"Face coverings can be intimidating and inhibit the police from identifying trouble makers.

"I hope the law will be reviewed."

Mr Grayling said: "I have a lot of sympathy with what you say. It's a matter I think the Home Office should give careful consideration to.

"The reality is these coverings are used to intimidate. In our society there is room for legitimate protest, there is not room for intimidation.

"I think anything which allows protesters to intimidate rather than protest is something we should look very carefully at whether it should be permitted."

Currently the law says a police officer in uniform is able to seize anything they believe is being worn to conceal a person's identity. However, officers must have authorisation for a specific place and time before they can request a demonstrator to remove any masks.

One group who chose to cover their faces are the hacking group, Anonymous, who organised the Million Masked March, which saw thousands of protesters take to the streets of London on Bonfire Night.

The march saw the protesters, who were wearing Guy Fawkes masks, clash with police while hundreds of anarchists were held back by police outside Buckingham Palace.

Anonymous told those taking part "police are not your friends", and demonstrators launched fireworks at police horses and also tried to dazzle them with laser pointers.

During the clash on November 5, another masked group also targeted the UK premiere of the new Hunger Games film in Leicester Square.

They arrived at the theatre moments after the film's stars, including Jennifer Lawrence and Julianne Moore, had walked the red carpet.

At least 50 people were arrested and four police officers were been taken to hospital with injuries following the clashes last month.