War with Iraq “must not lead to breakdown in community relations” says police authority Chair

18/03
3 March 2003

In the event of a war with Iraq, retaliation or recrimination against any section of London’s diverse communities will not be tolerated, Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority warned tonight.

“We must ensure that the rule of law in London is maintained during any operation against international terrorism and that we quickly discourage retaliation or recrimination aimed at people because of their religion or ethnic origins,” he told a seminar on effective and responsible policing.

“I have asked Sir John Stevens, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, to work on measures to ensure that all minority ethnic groups feel safe and reassured that police will take swift action against any extremists who use the war on terrorism as an excuse to attack or intimidate them.

“In particular, I have asked him to work closely with the Muslim community to allay fears of any possible backlash in the context of a war with Iraq.

“I am particularly pleased that the Commission for Racial Equality has brought together leaders of key religious groups in London today to sign a pact to prevent extremists turning the capital into a battle ground during a war with Iraq.

“It is vital that we don’t lose our sense of community spirit and tolerance of each other. In fact, it is our great diversity that enriches our city and keeps our streets free of extremist bigotry.”

And he added:

“Community-based policing must not be weakened by the response to the international terrorist threat.

“The possibility of a terrorist attack in the capital, although real, must not stop police from carrying out their primary role of detecting and deterring crime and keeping London’s streets safe from for its diverse communities.

“We know how debilitating the fear of crime is for the vulnerable members of our communities and we cannot allow any erosion of day-to-day crime fighting to increase that fear – either real or imagined.”

Notes to editors

1. Toby Harris was speaking at “Crime and Punishment - The Politics of Policing in the 21st Century” at 7:30pm on Monday 3 March at the Union Tavern, Lloyd Baker Street London WC1, when the topic was “ Capital Crimes: The Future of Policing in London.”

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