The chair of the UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, Gavin Stephens, has said that police chiefs must be able to operate without political interference. He warned that “public debate” influencing decision-making could undermine the police’s ability to police. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has accused the police of bias in their handling of pro-Palestinian protests, with the Metropolitan Police facing calls to stop a march on Armistice Day. However, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said the demonstration can only be halted if there is a threat of serious disorder, and this threshold has not been met.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to hold Sir Mark accountable if there is any unrest at the event, but Downing Street has distanced itself from Braverman’s comments. The National Police Chiefs’ Council brings together policing leaders from forces across the country to coordinate their work on the most significant issues. Speaking to reporters, Stephens emphasised the need for police to have the independence to make difficult operational decisions: “The decisions that we take are not easy ones, but we do so impartially, without fear or favour, and in line with both the law and our authorised professional practice.”
Stephens stressed the importance of avoiding the influence of public debate on decision making, as it could fundamentally undermine the nature of UK policing. He argued that language should be used carefully and said he took his responsibility to help defuse tensions seriously. In an article published in The Times on Thursday, Braverman referred to pro-Palestinian protesters as “hate marchers” and claimed that senior officers played favourites in how they police different demonstrations. The statement led to sharp criticism, including from many within Ms Braverman’s own party, with opposition parties calling for her to be sacked.
Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper denounced Braverman’s article as a “dangerous attempt to undermine respect for police”. Commentators suggested that Braverman’s comments risked damaging the prime minister’s office. However, some Conservative politicians defended Braverman’s remarks, with deputy chair Lee Anderson saying that “anyone who thinks her comments are outrageous need to get out more”. Policing minister Chris Philp described it as reasonable for politicians to raise concerns about how police conduct their operations
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