Met Police Chief Dismisses ‘Two-Tier Policing’ Accusations Amid Rising Protests and Safety Concerns

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has dismissed allegations of "two-tier policing" as "complete nonsense," stating that such claims endanger officers. Critics have argued that the police display favoritism in handling protests, with some groups facing stricter treatment than others.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 3:

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Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has dismissed claims of biased policing as "complete nonsense," stating that such accusations endanger the safety of officers.

Sir Mark dismissed the allegations, stating, "It's utterly absurd."

"Our actions are autonomous and strictly adhere to legal guidelines, executed impartially and without bias."

The statement implies that suggesting these officers have any motive other than impartially serving and protecting the community is compromising their safety.

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The term "two-tier policing" refers to the perception that law enforcement responds more strictly to certain protests and demonstrations compared to others.

Discover further: Understanding the concept of two-tier policing and its reasons for existence.

The prime minister and the government have come under fire from figures on the right, such as Nigel Farage, and billionaire X owner Elon Musk, for what they see as the police's overly harsh response to the recent unrest, compared to if the disturbances had involved ethnic minority groups.

Sir Mark stated that commentators across the political spectrum often accuse the police of bias, as they are positioned neutrally.

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"He mentioned that if you hold extreme opinions on one side, you find them disagreeable. Similarly, if you have extreme views from the other side, you also find them unacceptable," he said.

"The grave tones that resonate with those views worry me more because they lend credibility to such opinions, and in doing so, they validate the violence that the officers I'm deploying for mutual aid today will encounter out there."

Learn more: Three individuals imprisoned following the initial Crown Court rulings post-riots. Musk vs. Starmer: What allegations are being exchanged in the riot dispute? Over 500 additional incarceration spots allocated for riot participants.

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Sir Mark declined to identify anyone specifically, stating he preferred not to "acknowledge them."

He further stated: "Keyboard warriors should be aware that they are not immune to legal consequences if they promote violence."

Authorities are stationing over 6,000 additional police officers nationwide in anticipation of numerous protests scheduled for tonight, some of which will occur near centers assisting immigrants.

According to information obtained by Sky News from police sources, over 100 events and approximately 30 counter-demonstrations are scheduled for this evening. Out of the 43 police forces across England and Wales, 41 anticipate hosting these gatherings.

Over 400 individuals have been detained and roughly 100 have been formally charged related to the disturbances.

The investigation commenced following the murders of three girls in Southport the previous month, further fueled by erroneous online claims that the suspect in the stabbings was an asylum seeker who had come to the country by a small boat the previous year.

Additional accused individuals were scheduled for their court appearances today.

Sir Keir Starmer stated that the imprisonment of three men following last week's disturbances showcases the government's prompt response.

The premier posted on X, stating, "We are quickly implementing these measures."

"Anyone instigating violence in public spaces or on the internet will be met with the full extent of legal consequences."

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Sir Mark stated that "the essence of policing lies in community protection," and noted that in recent days, tactics have been adjusted to position officers at crucial strategic points throughout the UK. This move aims to enhance their ability to swiftly respond to the areas experiencing the most severe protests.

"To ensure we can act swiftly and demonstrate formidable strength, preventing the success of criminals and troublemakers in our communities."

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The head of the police reiterated the statements made by the public prosecutions director regarding the potential for terrorism charges.

"He emphasized that they will utilize the entirety of legal powers against perpetrators, including charges of assault, violent disorder, rioting, or even terrorism-related offenses if they are deemed suitable."

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