Scotland Yard has strongly denied accusations that it left Downing Street vulnerable during violent Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
The Mail on Sunday had claimed police chiefs "capitulated to a mob" by pulling armed officers away from No10's gates, allegedly putting the Prime Minister's security "in jeopardy".
According to the newspaper's investigation, critics accused the Met of making a "reckless" decision that "jeopardised the security of No10" during the protests, which took place when Boris Johnson was Prime Minister.
The report claimed it was the first time the Met had admitted armed officers were deliberately withdrawn from Downing Street during civil unrest, with the information allegedly coming to light through court papers.
In a robust statement posted on social media, the Metropolitan Police said: "This is misleading. While we cannot comment on the specifics of security matters, Downing Street remained fully protected by armed officers throughout. It is completely wrong to suggest security of the site was compromised."
The force explained that "as a matter of routine" they would "seek to avoid firearms officers coming into contact with protesters" during any demonstration, suggesting this was standard protocol rather than a special concession.
The original story alleged that the controversy came to light through legal action being taken by PC Nicky Vernon, who suffered serious injuries when she was knocked from her horse during the protests. The officer reportedly claims in her lawsuit that the withdrawal of armed police contributed to the disorder that led to her injuries.
According to the newspaper, PC Vernon, 47, sustained a collapsed lung, broken collarbone and shattered ribs in the incident, and continues to receive treatment for post-traumatic stress and anxiety.
The Mail on Sunday also quoted Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick saying: "If this is true, then the Met's leadership recklessly surrendered to the mob and jeopardised the security of Downing Street in a pathetic attempt to placate hostile protesters."
Reform MP Lee Anderson was quoted stating that "Mayor Sadiq Khan and the then commissioner Cressida Dick have serious questions to answer... Our police are there to protect and serve, not to cower and surrender."
The Met Police statement did not address these specific allegations but maintained that appropriate security protocols were followed throughout the protests, which took place during the heightened tensions following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
