Diverting resources from counter-terrorism and organised crime units in order to clean up the Metropolitan Police would be nobody’s first choice. But Scotland Yard is in such a state, and public trust so damaged, that there is little alternative.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has urged Londoners to back his mission to sack hundreds of officers who have riddled the force like a “cancer”. Reviews are currently underway into 885 staff who kept their jobs following allegations of domestic violence or sexual offences since 2013. In isolation, these numbers are shocking. But such is the low bar the Met has set for itself following the scandals of recent years that action around it represents progress.
Sir Mark knows he will be judged not only by the Met’s performance on cutting crime or preventing terrorism, but by how quickly and comprehensively he is able to overhaul the institution he leads. Baroness Casey’s review found his force to be institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic. Nothing less than a sea change across the entire culture of the force will suffice.
The consent model by which the Met operates is precious, and it only functions properly if the public have confidence in their police service. Reclaiming that trust will be a long and arduous process that must be undertaken by each and every officer.
Don’t neglect London
London has long been a largely Labour city. Even in 2019, when Jeremy Corbyn led the party to its worst defeat since 1935, it still achieved nearly 50 per cent of the vote. But the latest polling lead should still set alarm bells ringing at Conservative Campaign headquarters.
Today’s YouGov survey shows Labour now has a 40-point lead over the Tories in the capital, the highest since the firm’s tracking began in 2010. Britons across the country are struggling, but Londoners in particular have been hit hardest — by the pandemic, the cost of living and a Government persisting with a levelling-down narrative, most recently through its decision not to award a single London borough help from the Local Needs Funding package.
To turn things around, the Tories must demonstrate a genuine desire to win back the capital. A sound place to start would be selecting a mayoral candidate to face Sadiq Khan next year. At the same time, Labour must not take our city for granted, either in the run up to the general election or were the party to form the next government.
Easter culture trail
If you can’t face the chaos on the trains, roads or at the ports, the good news is that there is plenty to do in London this Easter. From Easter egg hunts at Leadenhall Market and The Tempest at Shakespeare’s Globe, to world-class exhibitions at Tate Britain the National Gallery, there is something for all tastes, ages and weather conditions. And to all Londoners, we wish you a happy Easter.
