Mayor Boris Johnson has been defending his deputy mayor for policing and crime’s decision to purchase three water cannon for the Metropolitan Police before receiving permission from the Home Secretary.
Mr Johnson was facing London Assembly Members for the regular Mayor’s Question Time session at City Hall.
The Mayor insisted he had no desire to see the vehicles deployed but said it was important to give the police the tools they need to maintain the peace.
He also said it was “highly unlikely” Home Secretary Theresa May would not ultimately approve their use.
Prime Minister David Cameron has signalled his support for the purchase, but Mrs May has said she won’t be rushed into making a decision.
