Boris Johnson has asked the Government if police can be given new powers to use water cannons on London's streets by this summer.

London's Mayor said the water cannon was necessary to break up riots like those seen in 2011. Each cannon would cost £30,000 each.

They have been used for years in Northern Ireland and other European countries, but they can cause serious injuries, including a German protestor who was blinded in 2010.

Critics warn it is a step towards the militarisation of the police and may be used to stifle the democratic right to protest.

In his letter to Theresa May, the Home Secretary, Mr Johnson wrote: "Following the disorder in August 2011, both the Metropolitan police service and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary stated that there are some circumstances where water cannon may be of use in future.

"Following briefing by the [Met] commissioner I am broadly convinced of the value of having water cannon available to the MPS [Metropolitan police service] for those circumstances where its absence would lead to greater disorder or the use of more extreme force."

It is believed the Met are in talks with German companies about supplying water cannon in time for this summer.

So what do you think? Should our police be given high powered water jets to keep order on our streets? Below are some helpful videos of the cannons in action to help you decide....

 

 

 

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