Rishi Sunak committed to dealing with the fallout from the Dominic Raab report swiftly. Now 24 hours on, despite a resignation, that has proven not to be the case.
It is unclear why it took so long to come to a decision given that, in reality, there was little choice. The former justice secretary and deputy prime minister promised to quit if claims of bullying were found to be substantiated. Still, Mr Raab has gone down fighting. In his resignation statement, he suggests that “in setting the threshold for bullying so low, this inquiry has set a dangerous precedent” by encouraging further “spurious” complaints against ministers.
But by upholding two complaints, the report by Adam Tolley KC ought to be definitive. The Ministerial Code must be upheld. Good relations between ministers and civil servants are vital for the operation of government. And now the department can welcome a new secretary of state to deliver its vital work to resolve the widespread delays and chokepoints in the justice system.
Justice for Stephen
Tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence, who was killed in an unprovoked racist attack while waiting for a bus in Eltham, south-east London. Today the Evening Standard has a moving and wide-ranging interview with Dr Neville Lawrence, Stephen’s father.
He is demanding an outside police force be called to bring to justice the other racist gang members who killed his son on April 22, 1993. Dr Lawrence’s plea comes days after Stephen’s mother, Baroness Lawrence, said the Metropolitan Police had failed to change.
Today Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley issued a fresh apology “for our past failings, which will have made the grief of losing a loved one all the more difficult to endure”. But Dr Lawrence says he has no interest in meeting the Scotland Yard chief because Sir Mark refuses to accept the conclusion from the Baroness Casey Review, which found that the Met was institutionally racist — as well as misogynistic and homophobic.
Dr Lawrence has not given up on securing total justice for his son, and neither should the public. It is right that no stone be left unturned in the pursuit of the gang members responsible for Stephen’s death who remain at large.
Old Vic’s bright future
For more than two centuries, the Old Vic has stood at the heart of a vibrant community, serving as a music hall, tavern and opera house. And it is looking to the future.
More than £1 million has been raised following a gala night at the theatre to help build a five-storey annex to double the number of education, community and artist development participants in its programmes and promote emerging talent in south London. The Old Vic is a London cultural icon. This exciting expansion suggests it is gearing up for another 200 years serving the capital.
