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Britain's Policing Minister Calls for Sadiq Khan to Share Responsibility for Metropolitan Police's Slump into Special Measures

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Britain's policing minister, Kit Malthouse, has called on Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, to share responsibility for the Metropolitan Police's slide into special measures. Malthouse suggested that Khan, as police and crime commissioner for the force, should consider his position, citing a need for him to "get a grip" on the force's failings. However, four of the six police forces in special measures have Conservative police and crime commissioners (PCCs), raising questions about the minister's call.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Metropolitan Police is one of six forces in the UK currently in special measures, with four of them headed by Conservative PCCs.
  • The policing minister, Kit Malthouse, has called on Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, to share responsibility for the force's failings, suggesting he should "consider his position."
  • Malthouse accused Khan of "falling asleep at the wheel" and claimed that he needs to "get a grip" on the force's problems.
  • A dispute about necessary reforms led to the resignation of Dame Cressida Dick as Metropolitan Police commissioner in February, which sparked criticism of Khan by Conservative MPs.
  • HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has put the Metropolitan Police in its "engage" monitoring process, requiring the force to develop an "improvement plan" to address identified issues.
  • The force will not be released from the process until HMIC is satisfied with sufficient and sustained improvement.

Statistics:

  • 4 of the 6 police forces in special measures have Conservative PCCs.
  • The Metropolitan Police has a Labour politician as PCC, as it is rolled into the responsibilities of the elected Mayor of London.
  • HMIC has listed a wealth of issues with the Metropolitan Police, including public confidence, institutional corruption, and treatment of victims.
  • The government will consider reviewing the scale of the Metropolitan Police's responsibilities after the public inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard is complete.
  • The process of recruiting a new Metropolitan Police commissioner is "well underway," with Priti Patel indicating that the successful candidate must demonstrate improvements and regain public trust.

Sources:

  • Dearden, L. (2022). Britain's policing minister has claimed that Sadiq Khan should 'share responsibility' for the Metropolitan Police's slide into special measures. The Independent.
  • Anonymous (2022). Policing minister Kit Malthouse calls on Sadiq Khan to share responsibility for Metropolitan Police's fall. Sky News.
  • HMIC (2022). Metropolitan Police in 'engage' monitoring process. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary.

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