Nato summit week draws to close with military open day

A study by Cardiff University reveals the Nato summit held in Newport and Cardiff last week had an “Olympic effect”.

Researchers at Cardiff University studying community reactions have found wide variations at first in public perceptions of the event.

• Overall commentary on social media about the summit was negative
• The initial appearance of lots of police and especially armed officers generated a negative public reaction, but this changed when many posed for ‘selfies’
• Events staged in Cardiff Bay with the warships and a fly-past generated a far more positive public mood despite the general disruption

Watch: Police release 'thank you' video for NATO Summit

The university's computer scientists used social science methods to assess community reaction in an experiment examining “mass” reactions to events on social media whilst also homing in on specific incidents as they were unfolding on the ground.

Professor Martin Innes said, ““In some ways, this was reminiscent of the “Olympic effect”: negativity beforehand, but more positivity as the event began.”

Organisers estimate that up to 70,000 people attended today's military open event in Cardiff Bay, to mark the end of the NATO summit.

Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer HMS Duncan was the main attraction - and five other warships from NATO member states were also open to the public.

The British army and RAF also played a part - with children enjoying the chance to clamber aboard a military tank or jet.

Tom Sheldrick reports:

Thousands of people are in Cardiff Bay for a military open day after the NATO summit.

One of the Royal Navy's most advanced warships ever, Type 45 Destroyer HMS Duncan, and naval ships from five other NATO member states have been opened to the public.

RAF replica aeroplanes are on display, and army tanks and other vehicles available for visitors to try out.

Britain will send the 9ft 'ring of steel' fences used at the Nato summit in Wales to Calais in an effort to stop illegal immigrants getting into Britain.

It would replace the "inadequate" fencing currently in place and hopefully create secure parking for legal travellers to wait without the threat of hassle from any disruption.

Immigration minister James Brokenshire said the move is part of a bid to send a message that the UK is "no soft touch" for migrants.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph he warned would-be illegal immigrants Mr they "should be under no illusion about what awaits them if they arrive here illegally".

He said it was up to the French to maintain security and order on their own land but Britain would do what it could to help.

The security operation surrounding this week's NATO Summit has been described today as a 'feather in the cap' for Gwent Police.

As nearly ten thousand officers were drafted in from across the UK make their way home, and the vast ring of steel continues to be dismantled, senior staff have hailed it a big success, as Tom Sheldrick reports.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent has praised police for their work during the security operation at this week's NATO Summit in Newport.

Gwent Police led the operation - one of the biggest ever undertaken in the UK.

A total of 31 arrests were made over the week, for offences such as trespassing and assaulting police.

Over 9,500 officers and staff were drafted in from 43 Forces for the event, which posed a bigger challenge than the London 2012 Olympics.

It saw police collaborate with intelligence agencies and military personnel to ensure the safety of sixty world leaders and their staff, as well as the public.

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston said it was a 'feather in the cap' for Gwent Police.

The response from the public has also been described as very positive.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt, who led the policing operation has thanked local residents.

Police have confirmed they made a total of 31 arrests during the NATO summit. They include five for aggravated trespass, two for assaulting a police officer, and two for making hoax bomb calls.

During the summit hundreds of peaceful protesters marched through Newport and Cardiff but the number of campaigners was lower than anticipated.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt was the events gold commander. At a news conference on Saturday he told journalists the operation had been a great success.