London Metropolitan police to procure three water cannons

London Mayor Boris Johnson has confirmed plans to acquire three water cannon for the Metropolitan police, marking its first deployment by a police force in the UK.

To be acquired from the German federal police, the decision to purchase second-hand cannons comes even before the Home Secretary has made the official decision to license its use on the mainland UK.

Costing £218,205 in total, each cannon costs £30,435 while the transportation, refitting and fixing to meet safety standards costs £42,300 for each cannon.

Approving the purchase, a MOPAC decision notice dated 9 June was signed by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.

Capable of carrying up to 2,000 gallons of water and direct it in a high-pressure jet, the water cannons need to be modified for making them suitable for deployment in London.

Meanwhile, London Assembly Member Jenny Jones commented: "If the Mayor had actually taken the time to look his own consultation he would have seen 98% of people opposed the plans for water cannon.

"Water cannon have no place on the streets of London and I hope the Home Secretary sees sense."

The Home Secretary has requested further detail in response to the interim medial statement provided by Scientific Advisory Committee on the medical implications of less-lethal weaponry (SACMILL).

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