Former home secretary Suella Braverman has come under fire from an independent policing watchdog for publicly condemning the Metropolitan Police over its handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London last year.
Braverman, then home secretary, penned an article in The Times in November criticising the Met for allowing what she called a “hate march” to proceed on Armistice Day. She accused the force of showing “double standards,” claiming right-wing protesters were met with a “stern response” while pro-Palestinian demonstrators were “largely ignored.”
The protests, which resulted in 140 arrests from both pro-Palestinian and far-right demonstrators, sparked controversy and led to calls for the police to justify their decisions. The Met defended its actions, stating that the legal threshold for banning the march had not been met.
In response to the public outcry, Braverman commissioned a report into police activism and impartiality. However, when the report was published, it criticised her for not handling her concerns privately.
Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke, who led the review, highlighted that forces and politicians should be cautious about political interference, whether real or perceived. He stated: “Usually, such an intervention, if deemed appropriate, should be done in private.”
Cooke warned that public criticism from high-profile political figures could harm police impartiality and erode public trust in the force. The report also noted that senior officers had experienced “improper pressure or interference” from politicians in the past, reinforcing the need for careful communication.
The review also referenced Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who initially condemned the treatment of a Jewish man by police at a pro-Palestinian protest, only to reverse his position after further context emerged. The report stressed that politicians should ensure they have all the facts before making public statements that could damage the perception of police neutrality.
A government spokesperson responded, affirming support for police officers and their operational independence, stating, “It is vital they are supported… We welcome the report and will work closely with policing to consider the recommendations.”
The Conservative Party and Suella Braverman have been contacted for comment.
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