Commenting on the announcement of a full inquiry into the Couzens
case and wider police culture, , Mayor of
London said:
“The horrific murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer
has shattered public confidence in the police. That trust has
been further eroded by the news of another officer being charged
with rape as well as reports of sexism, misogyny, racism and
homophobia amongst some groups of officers.
“Over recent days, I’ve been in detailed discussions with the
Home Secretary about how we must urgently do everything necessary
to rebuild trust and confidence in the police – in London and
across the country. We agreed that the gravity of the situation
required no less than a proper inquiry.
“This inquiry must leave no stone unturned to ensure that the
failures that led to a serving police officer killing Sarah
Everard can never happen again. And while I know the vast
majority of officers are decent and dedicated public servants,
the inquiry must also address reports of widespread cultural
issues. All police officers must adhere to the highest possible
standards, we must stamp out misogyny, sexism, racism and
homophobia, root out those who abuse their trusted position as
officers, and ensure that tackling violence against women and
girls is treated with the highest priority.
“There is no time to waste. So while this inquiry moves ahead,
I’ll continue to hold the Met to account so that we start to see
the changes we need right now – both to rebuild trust in the
police and to make our country safer for women and girls.”
Background
Sadiq wrote to the Home Secretary on Friday to ask to work with
her to hold the Met Police and Commissioner to account to restore
public trust and address the serious failings revealed by Sarah
Everard’s murder and wider reports of deep-seated cultural
problems in the Met and police forces across the UK. In that
letter he was clear that a response on a similar scale to that
seen following the murder of Stephen Lawrence was needed.
After the Mayor was informed on Sunday evening that another Met
Officer had been arrested and charged with rape he asked for an
urgent phone call that evening with the Home Secretary where they
agreed on the gravity of the situation and level of response
needed. The Mayor and Home Secretary spoke again on Monday and
agreed that a full inquiry was now necessary to address failings
and restore public trust.
