One sentence summary – Metropolitan Police firearms officers have decided to stop carrying firearms following the murder charges against a colleague, prompting concerns over the force’s firearms capability, leading Home Secretary Suella Braverman to order a review into armed policing practices, which has drawn criticism for potentially interfering with an ongoing prosecution, while the Ministry of Defence has offered to deploy armed soldiers to assist London police in maintaining public safety during this challenging period.
At a glance
- Metropolitan Police firearms officers have decided to stop carrying firearms.
- This decision comes after a colleague was charged with murder.
- Over 100 armed police officers have turned in their permits.
- Home Secretary Suella Braverman has ordered a review into armed policing practices.
- The Ministry of Defence has offered support by proposing to deploy armed soldiers.
The details
Metropolitan Police firearms officers have decided to stop carrying firearms.
This decision comes after a colleague was charged with murder.
The officer, who remains unnamed, is facing charges related to the death of Chris Kaba.
Kaba’s death occurred in south London last year.
Following this development, over 100 armed police officers have turned in their permits.
This has left the Met Police facing a significant reduction in its firearms capability.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has ordered a review into armed policing practices in response.
The review aims to ensure that armed officers can confidently perform their duties while effectively protecting the public.
Braverman’s comments on social media regarding the case have drawn criticism.
Critics include Labour MPs, human rights lawyers, and a former chief prosecutor.
Some have viewed her statements as interfering in an ongoing prosecution.
This could potentially prejudice a fair trial.
The Ministry of Defence has offered support in light of the reduced firearms capability.
They have proposed deploying armed soldiers to assist London police.
This measure is intended to maintain public safety and security during this challenging period.
The decision by firearms officers to refuse carrying guns stems from concerns over legal proceedings.
They are also concerned about the potential impact on their personal well-being and that of their families.
Carrying a firearm is voluntary for these officers.
The uncertainty surrounding the ongoing case has prompted many to relinquish their permits.
Various individuals and organizations have weighed in on the situation.
Labour MPs, human rights lawyers, and a former chief prosecutor have criticized Braverman’s comments on social media.
They deem them ill-judged interference.
The head of the CPS Special Crime Division has reminded all parties involved that the officer facing charges is entitled to a fair trial.
He has cautioned against statements that could prejudice the proceedings.
The police officer charged with Chris Kaba’s murder is scheduled to return to court on December 1.
This will be for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains unclear who will conduct the review ordered by the Home Secretary.
It is also unclear what the potential outcomes of the review might be.
The refusal of Met Police firearms officers to carry guns has prompted significant concerns.
These concerns are regarding the force’s firearms capability.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s subsequent review aims to address these concerns.
The review aims to ensure the confidence of armed officers in performing their duties while protecting the public.
However, the comments made by Braverman have faced criticism.
Critics say they potentially interfere with an ongoing prosecution.
As the legal proceedings continue, the impact on the officer’s personal well-being is a concern.
The well-being of other firearms officers is also a concern.
The Ministry of Defence’s offer to deploy armed soldiers provides temporary support.
This is to maintain public safety.
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A police officer standing alone, unarmed, with a heavy heart.
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| independent.co.uk |
|---|
| – Met Police firearms officers are refusing to carry guns after a colleague was charged with murder. |
| – |
| The unnamed marksman was charged over the death of Chris Kaba in south London last year. |
| – More than 100 armed police officers have turned in their permits allowing them to carry firearms. – |
| The Ministry of Defence is offering the support of armed soldiers to London police. – Home Secretary Suella Braverman has ordered a review into armed policing. – Braverman’s comments on social media have been criticized by Labour MPs, human rights lawyers, and a former chief prosecutor. – Chris Kaba was killed by a single gunshot through the windscreen of a vehicle in September 2022. |
| – It is not clear who will carry out the review and what it could lead to. |
| – Braverman said she wants to ensure that armed officers have the confidence to do their jobs while protecting the public. – |
| The comments from Braverman have been seen as interfering in an ongoing prosecution. |
| – Strict legal laws apply to publishing statements that could prejudice a jury at a trial. |
| – Former shadow business secretary John Denham called Braverman’s comments ill-judged interference. – |
| The head of the CPS Special Crime Division reminded everyone involved that criminal proceedings against the officer are active and he has the right to a fair trial. – Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the review announced by the Home Secretary. |
| – Firearms officers are concerned about facing protracted legal proceedings and the impact on their personal wellbeing and that of their families. |
| – Carrying a firearm is voluntary for officers. |
| – |
| The Met Police has a significant firearms capability and continues to have armed officers deployed in communities across London. – |
| The police officer charged with Mr. Kaba’s murder is set to return to court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 1 December. |
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