Sir Oliver has raised concerns about policing priorities and the protection of freedom of speech following a recent incident in Hertsmere.

During Home Office questions, Sir Oliver asked: “Many constituents in my constituency are exasperated by the fact that when there is shoplifting or burglary, the police are unable to turn up. 

Yet at the same time, they were able to send six officers to get themselves involved with a dispute with a local school and to warn local elected representatives off getting involved.

Sadly, this misallocation of resources and unwarranted police overreach is not an isolated example. So, can I urge the Minister to avoid engaging in political point-scoring and instead join me in sending a very clear message, from both sides of this House, that our expectation is that the police should be focused on solving real crimes and stay out of legitimate free expression and democratic debate?”

Sir Oliver also discussed this issue in interviews with Talk TV, LBC, Times Radio and GB News.