AN MP has said police surveillance of a peaceful protester through Facebook raises serious questions.

Brighton digital marketer Beth Granter had been contacted by Sussex Police about events they thought she had organised for the Pride weekend after trawling through her Facebook page.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas has raised the issue as a matter of urgency with Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council.

She said: “This year’s Pride was fantastic and by and large the police did a great job over the weekend. However, I am deeply concerned about both the manner and the substance of the approach that was made to Beth.

“She has made it quite clear that she's not been involved with organising the event and the information linking her to it appears to be - at best - highly tenuous.

“It also raises serious questions regarding the level of surveillance and scrutiny experienced by those who have previously been involved, in any way, in peaceful political events.”

Sussex Police defended the move as a routine measure designed to ensure privately-organised events do not get out of control.